bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Parkinson Activity of Portulaca oleracea Seed Methanolic Extract
Authors: Vaidya Santosh Kumar , Golwala Dharmesh K. , Patel Darpini S. , Sahoo Satyajit
Published: February 2020

Aim: Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Parkinson activity of Portulaca oleracea seed methanolic extract.

Place: C. U. Shah College of Pharmacy and Research, Wadhwan, Surendranagar, Gujarat, India.

Methodology: Collect plant materials were extracted with methanol. Extract was subjected to qualitative and quantitative investigation and antioxidant properties of extract was determine by Nitric oxide free radical scavenging activity and Reducing power by FeCl3 method.

Anti-Parkinson activity evaluated by two behavioral models namely, haloperidol induced catalepsy, and orofacial dyskinesia both models various behavioral activity/ parameter (catalepsy, vacuous chewing movement and tongue protrusion) were evaluated.

Results: Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening was to reveal presence of polyphenols, flavanoids, glycoside, alkaloids, carbohydrates and reducing sugar etc. Based preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening; quantitative estimation of methanolic extract showed significant amount of polyphenols. In-vitro antioxidants was performed by two method reducing power by FeCl3 and nitric oxide free radical scavenging, the methanolic extract shows significant antioxidant properties, based on polyphenols and antioxidant properties extracts was used for the Anti-Parkinson activity Haloperidol induced catalepsy in mice Treatment with Portulaca oleracea seed showed a significant (P<0.01) reduction in the duration of cataleptic behavior dose dependently when compared to haloperidol treated group. Haloperidol induced orofacial dyskinesia in rat recovery of orofacial dyskinesia as evidenced by decrease in the frequency of vacuous chewing movement and tongue significant (P<0.05) decrease in the frequency of vacuous chewing & tongue protrusion while Portulaca oleracea seed (200 mg/kg) was found to be insignificant in this respect.

Conclusion: After Portulaca oleracea seed (MLPO) treatment, the significant alterations produced in Parkinson’s affected rodents in respect to lipid peroxidation and antioxidant concentration significantly contributing its antioxidant potential. This antiperoxide action observed in Portulaca oleracea seed (MLPO) treated animals might be due to the suppression of the production of reactive oxygen species. This compound may be found to scavenge free radicals, including hydroxyl anions and reduce the level of lipid peroxidation in MLPO animals. Inhibition of oxidative stress may be one of the possible mechanisms for the anti-Parkinson effects of Portulaca oleracea seed (MLPO).
Trends in cheetah Acinonyx jubatus density in north‐central Namibia
Authors: Fabiano Ezequiel Chimbioputo , Sutherland Chris , Fuller Angela K. , Nghikembua Matti , Eizirik Eduardo , Marker Laurie
Published: February 2020

Assessing trends in abundance and density of species of conservation concern is vital to inform conservation and management strategies. The remaining population of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) largely exists outside of protected areas, where they are often in conflict with humans. Despite this, the population status and dynamics of cheetah outside of protected areas have received relatively limited attention across its range. We analyzed remote camera trapping data of nine surveys conducted from 2005 to 2014 in the Waterberg Conservancy, north‐central Namibia, which included detections of 74 individuals (52 adult males, 7 adult females and 15 dependents). Using spatial capture–recapture methods, we assessed annual and seasonal trends in cheetah density. We found evidence of a stable trend in cheetah density over the study period, with an average density of 1.94/100 km2 (95% confidence interval 1.33–2.84). This apparent stability of cheetah density is likely the result of stable and abundant prey availability, a high tolerance to carnivores by farmers and low turnover rates in home range tenure. This study highlights the importance of promoting long‐term surveys that capture a broad range of environmental variation that may influence species density and the importance of nonprotected areas for cheetah conservation.
The utility of ground rule instructions with younger and older adult witnesses
Authors: Ali Mohammed M. , Brubacher Sonja P. , Earhart Becky , Powell Martine B. , Westera Nina J.
Published: February 2020

This study examined the effectiveness of ground rules—simple instructions outlining the communication expectations of an investigative interview—with 73 younger (age 18–40) and 57 older (age 60+) adults. Participants watched a film depicting an implied sexual assault and were interviewed after a brief delay. One third received no ground rules, one third received ground rules as statements, and one third received the statements along with practice examples. The interview contained questions that required participants to apply one of the rules. Those who received ground rules were asked their perceptions of the rules. Results demonstrated that practicing ground rules improved response quality to problematic recognition questions, younger adults showed more variability in responses to different ground rules than older adults, and most participants found ground rule instructions useful in investigative interviews. Results provide support for the use of ground rules in interviews with adult witnesses.
Development and Underlying Structure of a Second‐Generation Appropriateness Classification System for Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Escobar Martinez Antonio , Perera Robert A. , Riddle Daniel L.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Evidence supports the validity of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) appropriateness classification based on the RAND Corporation and University of California Los Angeles system.The system, however, is ~2 decades old, and the science and clinical application of TKA has changed dramatically. We undertook this study to describe the methods used to develop a second‐generation system and to examine the structure of the system to determine the extent to which each of the indication criteria informed appropriateness.

Methods

Multivariable multinomial regression analyses determined the extent to which each of the 8 individually analyzed indication criteria informed appropriateness judgments. Classification tree analysis illustrates how the indication criteria, in combination, led to judgments of appropriate, inappropriate, or uncertain.

Results

An expert panel selected 8 indication criteria (i.e., age, knee pain, function, radiographic osteoarthritis severity, osteoarthritis location, psychological factors, pain catastrophizing, and comorbidities). A total of 1,008 clinical scenarios were written, based on the criteria. Regression analyses indicated that age, knee pain, function, and radiographic severity dominated prediction of appropriateness, while the other criteria played a smaller role. Classification tree analysis confirmed the regression findings.

Conclusion

Our second‐generation classification system, which incorporates contemporary indicators of TKA prognosis and risk, demonstrated preliminary evidence for utility in clinical practice.
The Devices, Experimental Scaffolds, and Biomaterials Ontology (DEB): A Tool for Mapping, Annotation, and Analysis of Biomaterials Data
Authors: Hakimi Osnat , Gelpi Josep Luis , Krallinger Martin , Curi Fabio , Repchevsky Dmitry , Ginebra Maria‐Pau
Published: February 2020

The size and complexity of the biomaterials literature makes systematic data analysis an excruciating manual task. A practical solution is creating databases and information resources. Implant design and biomaterials research can greatly benefit from an open database for systematic data retrieval. Ontologies are pivotal to knowledge base creation, serving to represent and organize domain knowledge. To name but two examples, GO, the gene ontology, and CheBI, Chemical Entities of Biological Interest ontology and their associated databases are central resources to their respective research communities. The creation of the devices, experimental scaffolds, and biomaterials ontology (DEB), an open resource for organizing information about biomaterials, their design, manufacture, and biological testing, is described. It is developed using text analysis for identifying ontology terms from a biomaterials gold standard corpus, systematically curated to represent the domain's lexicon. Topics covered are validated by members of the biomaterials research community. The ontology may be used for searching terms, performing annotations for machine learning applications, standardized meta‐data indexing, and other cross‐disciplinary data exploitation. The input of the biomaterials community to this effort to create data‐driven open‐access research tools is encouraged and welcomed.
Self‐Healing, Flexible, and Tailorable Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self‐Powered Sensors based on Thermal Effect of Infrared Radiation
Authors: Dai Xingyi , Huang Long‐Biao , Du Yuzhang , Han Jiancheng , Zheng Qiuqun , Kong Jie , Hao Jianhua
Published: February 2020

Self‐healing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with flexibility, robustness, and conformability are highly desirable for promising flexible and wearable devices, which can serve as a durable, stable, and renewable power supply, as well as a self‐powered sensor. Herein, an entirely self‐healing, flexible, and tailorable TENG is designed as a wearable sensor to monitor human motion, with infrared radiation from skin to promote self‐healing after being broken based on thermal effect of infrared radiation. Human skin is a natural infrared radiation emitter, providing favorable conditions for the device to function efficiently. The reversible imine bonds and quadruple hydrogen bonding (UPy) moieties are introduced into polymer networks to construct self‐healable electrification layer. UPy‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes are further incorporated into healable polymer to obtain conductive nanocomposite. Driven by the dynamic bonds, the designed and synthesized materials show excellent intrinsic self‐healing and shape‐tailorable features. Moreover, there is a robust interface bonding in the TENG devices due to the similar healable networks between electrification layer and electrode. The output electric performances of the self‐healable TENG devices can almost restore their original state when the damage of the devices occurs. This work presents a novel strategy for flexible devices, contributing to future sustainable energy and wearable electronics.
Regulating Uniform Li Plating/Stripping via Dual‐Conductive Metal‐Organic Frameworks for High‐Rate Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Tian‐Shi , Liu Xiaobin , Zhao Xudong , He Pingge , Nan Ce‐Wen , Fan Li‐Zhen
Published: February 2020

Lithium metal anodes show immense scope for application in high‐energy electronics and electric vehicles. Unfortunately, lithium dendrite growth and volume change leading to short lifespan and safety issues severely limit the feasibility of lithium metal batteries. A rational design of metal–organic framework (MOF)‐modified Li metal anode with optimized Li plating/stripping behavior via one‐step carbonization of ZIF‐67 is proposed. Experimental and theoretical simulation results reveal that carbonized MOFs with uniformly dispersed Co nanoparticles in N‐graphene (Co@N‐G) exhibit an electronic/ionic dual‐conductivity and significantly improved affinity with Li, and so serve as an ideal host for dendrite‐free lithium deposition, consequently leading to uniform lithium plating/stripping during cycling. As a result, the anode delivers highly stable cyclic performance with high coulombic efficiency (CE) at ultrahigh current densities (CE = 91.5% after 130 cycles at 10 mA cm−2, and CE = 90.4% after 80 cycles at 15 mA cm−2). Moreover, the practical applicability and functionality of such anodes are demonstrated through assembly of Li‐Co@N‐G/NCM full batteries exhibiting a long cycle life of 100 cycles with a high capacity retention of 92% at 1 C.
Graphdiyne Coupled with g‐C3N4/NiFe‐Layered Double Hydroxide, a Layered Nanohybrid for Highly Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Si Huayan , Deng Qixin , Yin Chen , Tavakoli Mohammad Mahdi , Zhang Jin , Kong Jing
Published: February 2020

Recently discovered graphdiyne (GDY) is a unique two‐dimensional (2D) planar structure with a high‐degree π‐conjunction network composed of sp and sp2 hybridized carbon bonds. GDY has high carrier mobility, rich chemical bond properties, and having a bandgap of ≈2.1 eV. In this study, for the first time, g‐C3N4/NiFe‐layered double hydroxide (LDH) is decorated by GDY to obtain a new strongly coupled ternary nanocomposite g‐C3N4/GDY/NiFe‐LDH, which has hierarchical mesoporous layered structure, large surface area, and broad visible spectrum absorption. These properties make g‐C3N4/GDY/NiFe‐LDH nanocomposite an outstanding candidate for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. Therefore, the new architecture is analyzed and achieve a high photocurrent density of 178.66 µA cm−2 by applying 1.4 V, a maximum incident photon‐to‐current efficiency (IPCE) of 3.59% at wavelength of 350 nm and 2.05% at 420 nm under standard AM 1.5G condition, which are also the best reported values in the literature. More interestingly, the proposed nanocomposite indicates a great durability, where there is nearly no dropping on the photocurrent under continuous illumination after 3600 s. This work suggests that additive engineering using GDY is an effective approach for the fabrication of efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation devices.
Multi‐Metal Nanocluster Assisted Cu‐Ga‐Sn Tri‐Doping for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting of BiVO4 Film
Authors: Hu Ruolin , Wang Xiao‐Li , Zhang Jiaxu , Hu Dandan , Wu Jin , Zhou Rui , Li Liang , Li Mingde , Li Dong‐Sheng , Wu Tao
Published: February 2020

Cu‐Ga‐Sn tri‐doped BiVO4 thin film is created by using a new multi‐metal chalcogenide molecular nanocluster as single‐source dopants. The modified BiVO4 photoanode with optimal doping amount (denoted as BiVO4‐CGS) shows the improved performance of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting with a 220 mV cathodic shift in onset potential and photocurrent density of 2.5 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which is 2.8 times higher than that of pristine BiVO4. The enhanced catalytic activity is attributed to the increased charge carrier density, the improved charge separation efficiency and the accelerated surface oxygen evolution reaction (OER) dynamics of photoelectrodes. It is noted that the doping method applied here demonstrates an effective approach in not only avoiding the problems of uneven distribution of multi‐dopants or phase separation occurring in regular method, but also implementing in‐situ multi‐metal doping in a simple way.
IN‐Palm: An agri‐environmental indicator to assess nitrogen losses in oil palm plantations
Authors: Pardon Lénaïc , Bockstaller Christian , Marichal Raphaël , Sionita Ribka , Nelson Paul N , Gabrielle Benoît , Laclau Jean‐Paul , Pujianto  , Caliman Jean‐Pierre , Bessou Cécile
Published: February 2020

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is currently cultivated on 19 million ha, and palm oil represents more than one‐third of the global vegetable oil market. Addition of nitrogen (N) via legume cover crop and fertilizers is a common practice in industrial oil palm plantations, however, there is a tendency for N loss, thus contributing significantly to environmental effects. To improve the sustainability of palm oil production, it is crucial to determine which management practices minimize N losses. Continuous field measurements would be cost‐prohibiting as a monitoring tool, and in the case of oil palm, available models do not account for all the potential nitrogen inputs and losses or management practices. In this context, we developed IN‐Palm, a model to help managers and scientists estimate N losses to the environment and identify best management practices. The main challenge was to build the model in a context of knowledge scarcity. Given these objectives and constraints, we developed an agri‐environmental indicator, using the INDIGO method and fuzzy decision trees. We validated the N leaching module of IN‐Palm against field data from Sumatra, Indonesia. IN‐Palm is implemented in an Excel file and uses 21 readily available input variables to compute 17 modules. It estimates annual emissions and scores for each N‐loss pathway and provides recommendations to reduce N losses. IN‐Palm predictions of N leaching were acceptable according to several statistics, with a tendency to underestimate nitrogen leaching. Thus, we highlighted necessary improvements to increase IN‐Palm precision before use in plantations.
Delineating foraging grounds of a loggerhead turtle population through satellite tracking of juveniles
Authors: Snape Robin T.E. , Schofield Gail , White Michael
Published: February 2020

Tracking of juvenile sea turtles is a research priority to inform the protection of relevant habitats and ensure sustainable rates of recruitment into adult populations. Based on satellite tracking, mixed stock analysis, and mark–recapture studies, Drini Bay in the South Adriatic Sea, Central Mediterranean, has been confirmed as an important foraging site used by loggerhead turtles from all major rookeries in the Mediterranean subpopulation.

Three juvenile loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from Drini Bay were tracked for 763, 364, and 211 days respectively. All turtles exhibited different movement patterns.

The two smaller turtles ranged widely beyond the bay. One of these (69.5 cm curved‐carapace length; CCL) used the coldest region of the Mediterranean during the first winter of tracking where mean weekly temperatures dipped below 12°C but moved southwards to warmer waters during the second winter. In comparison, the other (66 cm CCL) individual moved south to winter in warmer waters from the outset. Both individuals returned to Drini Bay during summer, demonstrating fidelity to the study site. The third turtle, which was larger (76 cm CCL), remained in Drini Bay for the duration of tracking. These results support the findings of other mark–recapture studies at Drini Bay, which have suggested that the foraging site is being used in a transient way by immature turtles.

All three turtles preferentially used the shallow waters (<30 m) in the south of Drini Bay. The study demonstrates a high degree of overlap between the habitat use of the three tracked turtles and that of adult turtles tracked from nesting sites, and although based on a small sample size, contributes to a growing knowledge base regarding the wider habitat use of the Mediterranean loggerhead population.
Graphene Oxide as an Enhancer of Fluorescence
Authors: Bapli Aloke , Gautam Rajesh Kumar , Seth (Duley) Soma , Jana Rabindranath , Pandit Souvik , Seth Debabrata
Published: February 2020

Solvent‐dependent switching of graphene oxide (GO) as fluorescence quencher or enhancer was observed. In some solvents, GO increases the fluorescence yield of a hydrophilic molecule 7‐(diethylamino)‐coumarin‐3‐carboxylic acid (7‐DCA), and in some solvents GO act as a quencher of fluorescence.
Abel lemma‐based finite‐sum inequality approach to stabilization for 2‐D time‐varying delay systems
Authors: Peng Dan , Nie Hanmei
Published: February 2020

The problem of delay‐dependent stability is concerned for two‐dimensional discrete‐time systems with interval time‐varying delays in this paper. Choosing a Lyapunov functional with the upper bound and lower bound of delays, considering all terms in the difference and using two‐dimensional Abel lemma‐based finite‐sum inequalities, a new delay‐dependent stability criterion in terms of linear matrix inequality is derived for two‐dimensional discrete‐time systems. Then, based on the delay‐dependent stability criteria, a state feedback control problem and a dynamic output feedback control problem are considered to realize the stability control for the two‐dimensional discrete‐time system. Finally, it is shown through four numerical examples that the stability criterion can provide a larger admissible maximum upper bound with less decision variables than the stability criterion using two‐dimensional Jensen inequalities approach.
Efficient enzymatic synthesis of cephalexin in suspension aqueous solution system
Authors: Fan Yixiao , Li Yingbo , Liu Qingfen
Published: February 2020

An efficient method for the enzymatic synthesis of cephalexin (CEX) from 7‐amino‐3‐deacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7‐ADCA) and d‐phenylglycine methyl ester (PGME) using immobilized penicillin G acylase (IPGA) as catalyst in a suspension aqueous solution system was developed, where the reactant 7‐ADCA and product CEX are mainly present as solid particles. The effects of key factors on the enzymatic synthesis were investigated. Results showed that continuous feeding of PGME was more efficient for the synthesis of CEX than the batch mode. Under the optimized conditions, the maximum 7‐ADCA conversion ratio of 99.3% and productivity of 200 mmol/L/H were achieved, both of which are much superior to the homogeneous aqueous solution system. Besides, IPGA still retained 95.4% of its initial activity after 10 cycles of enzymatic synthesis, indicating the excellent stability of this approach. The developed approach shows great potential for the industrial production of CEX via an enzyme‐based route.
Graphitic‐Based Solid‐State Supercapacitors: Enabling Redox Reaction by In Situ Electrochemical Treatment
Authors: Amjadipour Mojtaba , Su Dawei , Iacopi Francesca
Published: February 2020

The quest for supercapacitors that can hold both high energy and power density is of increasing significance as the need for green and reliable energy storage devices grows, for both large‐scale and integrated systems. While supercapacitors for integrated technologies require a solid‐state approach, gel‐based electrolytes are generally not as efficient as their aqueous counterparts. Here, we demonstrate a strategy to enhance the performance of quasi‐solid‐state supercapacitors made by graphitized silicon carbide on silicon electrodes and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)+H2SO4 gel electrolyte. The electrochemical characterization shows an increase of the specific capacitance of the cell up to 3‐fold resulting from a simple agent‐free, in situ, electrochemical treatment leading to functionalization of the graphitic electrodes. The functionalization of the electrodes simultaneously enables redox reactions, without adding any redox agent, and increases the double layer contribution to the overall capacitance. The strategy and insights offered by this work hold great promise for improving quasi‐solid‐state, miniaturized on‐chip energy storage systems, which are compatible with silicon electronics.
The role of kynurenine pathway and kynurenic aminotransferase alleles in postpartum depression following cesarean section in Chinese women
Authors: Quan Chengxuan , Wang Saiying , Duan Kaiming , Ma Jiahui , Yu Heya , Yang Mi , Hu Na , Long Ge , Zeng Guang , Huang Zhendong
Published: February 2020

Objectives

A growing body of data indicates that the kynurenine pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS). Kynurenic aminotransferase (KAT) is an important kynurenine pathway enzyme, catalyzing kynurenine (KYN) into kynurenic acid (KYNA). This study investigated as to whether genetic variations in KAT are associated with PDS.

Methods

A cohort of 360 Chinese women scheduled to undergo cesarean delivery was enrolled into this study. PDS was determined by an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥ 13. A total of eight KAT single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped and their association with PDS investigated. Serum concentrations of KYN, KYNA, and quinolinic acid (QUIN) in women with or without PDS were also measured. This allowed the determination of the KYNA/KYN ratio, which is reflective of KAT activity.

Results

Postpartum depressive symptoms incidence was 7.2%. Advanced maternal age, lower education, antenatal depression, and postpartum blues were risk factors for PDS (p < .05). Women with PDS, versus non‐PDS, had heightened KYN levels one day prior to surgery (ante‐d1) (p < .05), as well as having significantly lower KYNA and higher QUIN levels at postnatal day three (post‐d3) (p < .05). Women with, versus without, PDS also had a significantly higher QUIN/KYNA ratio at post‐d3 (p < .05). KAT activity was significantly lower in women with, versus without, PDS at ante‐d3 (p < .05). No significant association was evident between the KAT SNPs and PDS.

Conclusion

Our data support a role for alterations in the kynurenine pathway in the pathogenesis of PDS, although no significant association was found for the eight tested KAT SNPs with PDS.
Secondary Metabolites from Marine Micromonospora: Chemistry and Bioactivities
Authors: Qi Sisi , Gui Min , Li Huanhuan , Yu Chunbo , Li Hongji , Zeng Zheling , Sun Peng
Published: February 2020

Marine Micromonospora was revealed to be a rather untapped and a rich source of chemically diverse and unique bioactive natural products. This review is aimed to make a comprehensive survey of secondary metabolites that were derived from marine Micromonospora including chemical diversity and biological activities. A total of 116 compounds from 41 marine Micromonospora species have been reported, covering the literatures from 1997 to 2019. These compounds contain several structural classes such as polyketides (PKS), nonribosomal peptides (NRPS), PKS‐NRPS hybrids, terpenes and others, and they present cytotoxic, antibacterial, antiparasitic, chemopreventive or antioxidant activities.
Peroral endoscopic myotomy is an effective treatment for diffuse esophageal spasm
Authors: Sugihara Yuusaku , Sakae Hiroyuki , Hamada Kenta , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2020

Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) causes symptoms such as dysphagia. However, DES is sometimes difficult to diagnose. DES can be diagnosed based on a characteristic image through esophageal radiography. As in the present case, DES is considered a good indication for peroral endoscopic myotomy.
Effect of process parameters on circulating fluidized bed coal gasification using 3D full‐loop CFD simulation
Authors: Sharma Vikrant , Agarwal Vijay K.
Published: February 2020

This article presents a 3D full‐loop computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of a circulating fluidized bed gasifier (CFBG). The simulation results are validated against the experimental data and found to be in good agreement. Thereupon, the effect of the process parameters, ie, temperature, pressure, air/coal (A/C) ratio, and steam/coal (S/C) ratio, on the performance of the gasifier is analyzed. The effect of temperature on the hydrodynamics was found to be small. The CO and H2 increase, whereas the CO2 and H2O decrease with an increase in temperature. While the effect of pressure on the outlet species mole fraction is negligible, the gas and solid axial velocity decrease with an increase in pressure. With an increasing A/C ratio or decreasing S/C ratio, the combustion products (CO2 and H2O) increase, whereas the gasification products (CO and H2) decrease due to the increase in the O2 concentration. In addition, temperature increases with an increase in the A/C ratio or a decrease in the S/C ratio. The feed velocity increases with an increasing A/C or S/C ratio, and, accordingly, the pressure increases and bed height decreases. The CH4 decreases in all of the cases as it is being consumed in gasification as well as combustion reactions.
Continued increasing incidence of malignant appendiceal tumors in Canada and the United States: A population‐based study
Authors: Singh Harminder , Koomson Ananda S. , Decker Kathleen M. , Park Jason , Demers Alain A.
Published: February 2020

Background

To the authors' knowledge, there are limited data regarding the epidemiology of malignant appendiceal tumors. It remains unknown whether the previously reported trends are occurring in different countries and/or continuing in recent years and/or whether they are possibly due to increasing rates of appendectomies. In the current study, the authors investigated the patterns and time trends of malignant appendiceal tumor diagnosis by age group, sex, stage of disease, and histology in Canada and the United States and concomitant rates of appendectomies in Canada.

Methods

The Canadian Cancer Registry and the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results incidence databases were used to identify incident patients of malignant appendiceal tumors in the 2 countries between 1992 and 2016. The Canadian national hospitals Discharge Abstract Database was used to identify appendectomies performed between 2004 and 2015. Joinpoint regression analyses were performed to determine time trends.

Results

There was an overall increase in the incidence of malignant appendiceal tumors of 232% in the United States and 292% in Canada between 2000 and 2016. The increase was noted for malignant adenocarcinomas and neuroendocrine appendiceal tumors in both countries. The increase occurred across all age groups, sexes, and stages of disease. The highest rate of increase was noted for appendiceal neuroendocrine malignant tumors diagnosed among the youngest age groups. The rate of appendectomies was stable in the recent time periods, resulting in a decreasing rate of appendectomies per malignant appendiceal tumor diagnosis.

Conclusions

The incidence of malignant appendiceal tumor is continuing to increase, which is not likely due to the increasing diagnosis of asymptomatic tumors at the time of appendectomies.
Furan and Pyran Functional Groups Driven the Surface of Nitrogen‐Doped Nanofiber Sponges
Authors: Fajardo‐Díaz M.Sc. Juan L. , Rodríguez‐Corvera M.Sc. Cristina L. , Muñoz‐Sandoval Ph.D. Emilio , López‐Urías Ph.D. Florentino
Published: February 2020

Highly surface oxidized, nitrogen‐doped, and nitrogen functionalized carbon nanotube sponge (N‐CFS) were produced at 1020 °C using two sprayers approach in an aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) experiment. The structure of N‐CFS consisted of entangled and corrugated carbon nanofibers of ∼200 nm diameter, also showing junctions and knots. TEM characterizations revealed that the carbon nanofiber exhibits stacked graphitic layers in a transversal way with positive curvature. Superficial chemical analysis by XPS showed that the N‐CFSs contain an atomic concentration of oxygen and nitrogen of 9.2% and 2.9%, respectively. The high‐resolution XPS scans deconvolution‐analysis revealed high percentages for C−O bonds, pyrrolic nitrogen doping, NH3 functionalization, and Si−C interactions. The cyclic voltammetry measurements did not display a redox process despite the high oxygen concentration at the surface. Hydrophobic functional groups containing C−O bonds do not participate in a redox process (furan, pyran, epoxy, methoxy, ethoxy, among others) could mostly determine the electroactivity of N‐CFS. Based on density functional theory calculations, we determine that the furans transfer a high amount of electron and promote a positive curvature in thin carbon nanotubes. Graphitic materials with furans, pyrans, and epoxy functional groups could be used as an anode in lithium‐ion batteries.
Single‐Cell Analysis of Cytokine mRNA and Protein Expression by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Pal Rubina , Schaubhut Jayne , Clark Darcey , Brown Lynette , Stewart Jennifer J.
Published: February 2020

Understanding how immune cells respond to external stimuli such as pathogens or drugs is a key component of biomedical research. Critical to the immune response are the expression of cell‐surface receptors and the secretion of cytokines, which are tightly regulated by gene expression and protein synthesis. Previously, cytokine mRNA expression levels have been measured from bulk analysis of heterogeneous or sorted cell populations, and the correlation between cytokine mRNA expression and protein levels using these techniques can be highly variable. Flow cytometry is used to monitor changes in cell‐surface and intracellular proteins, but some proteins such as cytokines may be transient and difficult to measure. Thus, a flow cytometry method that can simultaneously measure cytokine mRNA and protein levels in single cells is a very powerful tool. We defined a flow cytometry method that combines the conventional measurement of T cell surface proteins (CD45, CD3, CD4, CD8) and intracellular cytokines (IL‐2, INF‐γ) with fluorescent in situ hybridization and branched DNA technology for amplification and detection of IL‐2 and INF‐γ mRNA transcripts in activated T cells. This method has been applied to frozen peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) and frozen blood samples, making it applicable to clinical trial specimens that require shipment to the test site. In CD4+ cells from activated PBMCs, the concordance between mRNA and protein levels was 41% for IL‐2 and 21% for and INF‐γ. In CD8+ cells from activated PBMCs, the concordance was 15% for IL‐2 and 32% for INF‐γ. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol: Detection of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ mRNA and protein expression in frozen PBMCs

Alternate Protocol: Detection of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ mRNA and protein expression in frozen blood
Pain persistence and lethality of suicide attempts
Authors: Paashaus Laura , Forkmann Thomas , Glaesmer Heide , Juckel Georg , Rath Dajana , Schönfelder Antje , Teismann Tobias
Published: February 2020

The interpersonal–psychological theory of suicide posits that elevated pain tolerance is necessary to engage in suicidal behaviour. It is assumed that suicidal intent only leads to lethal (or near lethal) suicide attempts when an individual has the capability to persist the pain involved in dying. The aim of this study was to assess whether objective pain persistence moderates the association between suicide intent and lethality of a recent suicide attempt. Ninety‐seven inpatients, who were hospitalized due to a recent suicide attempt, were interviewed regarding lifetime suicide attempts as well as their most recent suicide attempt: Method of attempt, intention to die, medical risk of death, probability of an intervention, and physical condition following the attempt were inquired. Pain persistence was examined using a pressure algometer. Contrary to the expectation, pain persistence did not moderate the association between suicide intent and lethality of a recent suicide attempt, that is, medical risk of death, probability of an intervention, or physical condition following the attempt. Future studies are needed to examine method specific pain persistence for suicidal behaviour in a longitudinal study design.
Single Crystal Growth of N‐Benzyl‐2‐methyl‐4‐nitroaniline by Seeded Czochralski Pulling Technique for NLO and THz Applications
Authors: Raju Kalaivanan , Aruchamy Mythili , Karuppannan Srinivasan
Published: February 2020

Single crystal of N‐benzyl‐2‐methyl‐4‐nitroaniline (BNA), a potential organic nonlinear optical (NLO) material for terahertz (THz) pulse generation, is grown successfully from diffusion controlled melt environment by Czochralski pulling (Cz) technique and is reported for the first time. A solution grown crystal having habitual morphology is used as a seed with pre‐determined crystal rotations at constant melt temperature of 102 °C. Unit cell structure of melt grown BNA is refined using single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis and is compared with that of the solution grown one. Crystal packing with the dominance of intermolecular hydrogen bonding such as C─H…O, N─H─O, and C─H…π is examined using 2D finger print (FP) plot and 3D Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis. The presence of minimal percentage of voids reflects the good stacking of molecular arrangement in the melt grown crystals when compared to the solution grown ones. Crystalline purity is confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. Modes of vibrations of different functional groups present and wide optical transparency of the grown BNA are realized using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet‐visible‐near infrared (UV–vis–NIR) spectroscopic analyses, respectively. Thermal stability and melting point are confirmed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Lack of discreet colocalization of epithelial apoptosis to the atretic precursor in the colon of the Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2IIIb mouse and staining consistent with cellular movement suggest a revised model of atresia formation
Authors: Kowalkowski Anna , Zaremba Krzysztof M. , Rogers Andrew P. , Hoffman Olivia R. , Turco Anne E. , Nichol Peter F.
Published: February 2020

Background

Colonic atresias in the Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2IIIb (Fgfr2IIIb) mouse model have been attributed to increased epithelial apoptosis and decreased epithelial proliferation at embryonic day (E) 10.5. We therefore hypothesized that these processes would colocalize to the distal colon where atresias occur (atretic precursor) and would be excluded or minimized from the proximal colon and small intestine.

Results

We observed a global increase in intestinal epithelial apoptosis in Fgfr2IIIb
−/− intestines from E9.5 to E10.5 that did not colocalize to the atretic precursor. Additionally, epithelial proliferations rates in Fgfr2IIIb
−/− intestines were statistically indistinguishable to that of controls at E10.5 and E11.5. At E11.5 distal colonic epithelial cells in mutants failed to assume the expected pseudostratified columnar architecture and the continuity of the adjacent basal lamina was disrupted. Individual E‐cadherin‐positive cells were observed in the colonic mesenchyme.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest that alterations in proliferation and apoptosis alone are insufficient to account for intestinal atresias and that these defects may arise from both a failure of distal colonic epithelial cells to develop normally and local disruptions in basal lamina architecture.
A negative association between horn length and survival in a weakly dimorphic ungulate
Authors: Douhard Mathieu , Crampe Jean‐Paul , Loison Anne , Bonenfant Christophe
Published: February 2020

While all models of sexual selection assume that the development and expression of enlarged secondary sexual traits are costly, males with larger ornaments or weapons generally show greater survival or longevity. These studies have mostly been performed in species with high sexual size dimorphism, subject to intense sexual selection. Here, we examined the relationships between horn growth and several survival metrics in the weakly dimorphic Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica). In this unhunted population living at high density, males and females were able to grow long horns without any apparent costs in terms of longevity. However, we found a negative relationship between horn growth and survival during prime age in males. This association reduces the potential evolutionary consequences of trophy hunting in male chamois. We also found that females with long horns tended to have lower survival at old ages. Our results illustrate the contrasting conclusions that may be drawn when different survival metrics are used in analyses. The ability to detect trade‐off between the expression of male secondary sexual traits and survival may depend more on environmental conditions experienced by the population than on the strength of sexual selection.
Describing macroecological patterns in microbes: Approaches for comparative analyses of operational taxonomic unit read number distribution with a case study of global oceanic bacteria
Authors: Nakadai Ryosuke , Okazaki Yusuke , Matsuoka Shunsuke
Published: February 2020

Describing the variation in commonness and rarity in a community is a fundamental method of evaluating biodiversity. Such patterns have been studied in the context of species abundance distributions (SADs) among macroscopic organisms in numerous communities. Recently, models for analyzing variation in local SAD shapes along environmental gradients have been constructed. The recent development of high‐throughput sequencing enables evaluation of commonness and rarity in local communities of microbes using operational taxonomic unit (OTU) read number distributions (ORDs), which are conceptually similar to SADs. However, few studies have explored the variation in local microbial ORD shapes along environmental gradients. Therefore, the similarities and differences between SADs and ORDs are unclear, clouding any universal rules of global biodiversity patterns. We investigated the similarities and differences in ORD shapes versus SADs, and how well environmental variables explain the variation in ORDs along latitudinal and depth gradients. Herein, we integrate ORDs into recent comparative analysis methods for SAD shape using datasets generated on the Tara Oceans expedition. About 56% of the variance in skewness of ORDs among global oceanic bacterial communities was explained with this method. Moreover, we confirmed that the parameter combination constraints of Weibull distributions were shared by ORDs of bacterial communities and SADs of tree communities, suggesting common long‐term limitation processes such as adaptation and community persistence acting on current abundance variation. On the other hand, skewness was significantly greater for bacterial communities than tree communities, and many ecological predictions did not apply to bacterial communities, suggesting differences in the community assembly rules for microbes and macroscopic organisms. Approaches based on ORDs provide opportunities to quantify macroecological patterns of microbes under the same framework as macroscopic organisms.
Potential for waste heat utilization of hot‐water‐cooled data centers: A case study
Authors: Oltmanns Johannes , Sauerwein David , Dammel Frank , Stephan Peter , Kuhn Christoph
Published: February 2020

The electric energy demand of data centers in Germany has grown rapidly from 10.5 TWh/a in 2010 to 13.2 TWh/a in 2017, an average of 25% of which are used to fulfill the data centers' cooling demand. In order to increase its energy efficiency, TU Darmstadt applies a new cooling concept in the next generation of its high‐performance computing data center “Lichtenberg II.” Instead of the current air‐cooled servers with water‐cooled rear doors at 17‐24°C, the new data center will be equipped with direct hot‐water cooling for the high‐performance computer, supplying heat at a temperature of 45°C. The high‐temperature waste heat is used for heating purposes on the university's campus Lichtwiese. For waste heat utilization, two concepts are presented, either integrating the heat in the return line of the district heating network or using it locally in buildings located near the data center. Reductions in CO2 emission and annuity are generated both by decreased compression cooling demand for the data center and by decreased heat generation due to waste heat utilization. Depending on the scenario, a total of 20%‐50% of the waste heat emitted by the high‐performance computer can be used for heating purposes, while the remaining heat is dissipated efficiently via free cooling without additional energy demand for mechanical chillers. CO2 emission can be decreased by up to 720 , representing a reduction of about 4% of the total emission at campus Lichtwiese. TU Darmstadt is currently implementing the waste heat integration into its district heating network and will benefit from this concept starting in 2020.
Numerical simulation of temperature field in crack of supercritical carbon dioxide fracturing
Authors: Zhou Yi , Ni Hongjian , Shen Zhonghou , Wang Wenpeng , Wang Meishan
Published: February 2020

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) fracturing technology has far‐reaching application potential for unconventional resources which is beneficial to water protection and CO2 sequestration. In this paper, temperature field in the crack of SC‐CO2 fracturing which will affect flow behavior of SC‐CO2 and the carrying capacity for proppants has been studied. A generalized and pragmatic numerical method coupled with the physical properties model of CO2 and heat and mass transfer in the formation rock has been established to calculate the variations of temperature and density in the crack during fracturing. Porous medium model was used to describe the formation rock which would make the calculation more accurate. Rules of influence distance of the rock with time and injection displacement were analyzed. Distribution of temperature in XY plane is symmetrical, while temperature on the bottom wall is much less than that of the top wall in XZ plane. Decrease in injection temperature and increase in injection displacement will make the temperature of SC‐CO2 lower at the same position which is beneficial to the proppant transportation. Therefore, low injection temperature and high displacement are suggested in the application in order to make a longer proppant bed. Besides, the density of SC‐CO2 is relatively high in the formation of low rock porosity which will make the fracturing more effective. The results obtained in this paper will provide reference for SC‐CO2 fracturing design which could promote the development of this technology.
Development of a new ammonia‐based energy storage option for grid balancing
Authors: Siddiqui Osamah , Dincer Ibrahim
Published: February 2020

In the present study, a new ammonia‐based system is developed and investigated as an energy storage option. In this regard, an environmentally benign cyclic synthesis and usage of ammonia is proposed. The proton exchange membrane‐based electrolysis is used for hydrogen generation with cyclic water usage and production. A direct ammonia fuel cell is employed for power generation. The performance of the developed system is investigated through both energetic and exergetic analyses. In addition, different phases of charging and discharging are considered during the energy storage operation. Furthermore, several parametric investigations are conducted to study the effects of changing operating conditions. The energy efficiency of the charging phase is found to be 41.1% and the exergy efficiency is evaluated to be 43.7%. Moreover, the energetic efficiency of the discharging phase is 78.1% while the exergetic efficiency is 73.4%. The overall efficiency of the system considering both charging and discharging phases is evaluated as 32.1%.
Brief Assessment of Impaired Cognition Questionnaire (BASIC‐Q)—Development and validation of a new tool for identification of cognitive impairment in community settings
Authors: Jørgensen Kasper , Nielsen T. Rune , Nielsen Ann , Waldorff Frans Boch , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Brief Assessment of Impaired Cognition (BASIC), which combines self‐ and informant report with cognitive testing, was previously found to be highly accurate in identification of dementia and cognitive impairment. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a questionnaire version of BASIC, the BASIC‐Q, for use in community settings.

Methods

In order to construct a questionnaire version of BASIC, we substituted cognitive testing with questions regarding orientation. BASIC‐Q was validated based on further analysis of data from the primary BASIC validation study, where patients consecutively referred from general practice were tested at their first memory clinic admission prior to diagnosis. Control participants were primarily recruited among participating patients' relatives. Expert clinical diagnosis was subsequently used as reference standard for estimation of classification accuracy.

Results

A high discriminative validity (sensitivity 0.92, specificity 0.97) for cognitive impairment (n = 159) vs socio‐demographically matched control participants (n = 109) was found. In comparison, the MMSE had 0.76 sensitivity and 0.81 specificity. Administration time for BASIC‐Q was less than 5 minutes compared to approximately 10 minutes for the MMSE.

Conclusions

BASIC‐Q is a brief, efficient and valid tool for identification of cognitive impairment in a clinical setting. Further validation in a community setting is needed.