bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pet ownership and risk factors for cardiovascular disease: another look
Authors: Parslow Ruth A , Jorm Anthony F
Published: September 2019

Objective: To test the claim that pet ownership reduces cardiovascular risk.

Design: Community survey.

Participants: 2528 adults aged 40–44 years and 2551 aged 60–64 years who lived in the Australian Capital Territory and Queanbeyan, New South Wales, and were drawn randomly from the Australian electoral roll in 2000 and 2001.

Main outcome measures: Sociodemographic measures, including pet ownership, and measures of physical health (including body mass index [BMI], alcohol and cigarette consumption, and levels of physical activity). Two readings of diastolic and systolic blood pressure were also taken.

Results: While pet owners and non‐pet owners had similar levels of systolic blood pressure, those with pets had significantly higher diastolic blood pressure. Pet owners also had higher BMI and were more likely to smoke. While those with pets undertook more mild physical activity, they continued to have significantly higher diastolic blood pressure after controlling for hypertensive risk factors.

Conclusions: In this study, we found no evidence that pet ownership per se is associated with cardiovascular health benefits. Rather, pet owners had higher diastolic blood pressure than those without pets. It is likely that this increased health risk is linked to other hypertensive risk factors that are only indirectly associated with pet ownership.
Sistemas Emergentes no Ecossistema Digital Brasileiro de Saúde Pública: Uma Abordagem Sociotécnica
Authors: Luís Freire de Castro Silva Sandro , Fornazin Marcelo , Pereira dos Santos Rodrigo
Published: September 2019

O Sistema Único de Saúde convive com a precariedade mesmo sendo prioridade nas discussões das agendas políticas. As soluções para problemas relacionados na maioria dos casos sugerem a implantação de Sistemas de Informação em Saúde. A questão é que a implantação, ou qualquer outra atividade, não deve estar limitada ao olhar estritamente técnico. O objetivo desse trabalho de doutorado é descrever a complexidade emergente das relações em ecossistemas digitais, usando como cenário o Ecossistema Digital de Saúde Pública Brasileiro, a fim de contribuir com um olhar sociotécnico sobre o tema.
Desenvolvimento da Plataforma Raps-Salus: Rede de Atenção Primária a Saúde
Authors: Rabelo de Araújo Filho João , Ezequiel Dias dos Santos Paulo
Published: September 2019

Esse artigo objetiva descrever o desenvolvimento de um aplicativo, uma Web API e uma aplicação WEB de referência ao mapeamento da rede de atenção primária a saúde, utilizando fundamentalmente dados do Programa de Saúde da Família (PSF). A partir disso, o aplicativo foi construído utilizando os frameworks NET Core, IONIC e Angular. Disponibilizaram-se elementos chaves para a plataforma que foram: os grupos prioritários da atenção primária, como seu status, descrição e geolocalização. A plataforma visou facilitar a gestão feita pelos profissionais de saúde, além da sincronização e integralidade com aplicações externas.
EduSearch-Um sistema de informação para pesquisa de artigos científicos da área da educação
Authors: Menezes da Silva Gabriel , Santana Leite Filho Efraim , Silva Lima Adriano
Published: September 2019

O EduSearch permite que os usuários pesquisem e visualizem os artigos científicos dos periódicos que estejam classificados no Qualis Educação do quadriênio 2013-2016, exibindo também seus índices de classificação internacionais e seus estratos.
Duca, um aplicativo civil colaborativo para alavancar a educação
Authors: Passos Alan , Santos John , Santos Renan , Nascimento André , Colaço Júnior Methanias , F. Neves Danilo , Mota Aberlado , Cortes Eduardo
Published: September 2019

Contexto. Os baixos índices de qualidade de ensino no Brasil demonstram os prejuízos advindos de um setor formado por complexas camadas administrativas e baixa transparência. Objetivo. Por meio de um aplicativo cujo nome carinhoso também é o seu mascote, a Duca, facilitar a cooperação e o controle social da população, bem como direcionar as ações por parte dos órgãos de controle, justiça e poder executivo. Método. Além da construção ágil do aplicativo, um estudo de caso avaliativo foi realizado com uma escola pública estadual, no qual professores, alunos e pais sugeriram correções e melhorias. Resultados. O aplicativo, como ferramenta de colaboração participativa, promove o engajamento da comunidade escolar, mudando a vida desta comunidade com aspectos inovadores, entre os quais se destacaram as possibilidades de visualização do cardápio real da merenda e de aplicações de surveys dinâmicos. Conclusão. Aproximando a sociedade civil com órgãos diretores, a aplicação eleva a governança pública em níveis econômico, social e acadêmico, sob a perspectiva de um planejamento mais eficiente e eficaz.
Investigation of sodium borohydride and hydrazine oxidation on gold nanoparticles modified zinc–cobalt coating
Authors: Zabielaitė Aušrinė , Balčiūnaitė Aldona , Šimkūnaitė Dijana , Vaičiūnienė Jūratė , Selskis Algirdas , Naruškevičius Leonas , Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė Loreta , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: September 2019

This work presents the investigation of the electrochemical oxidation of hydrazine and sodium borohydride ions in alkaline solutions on the Au nanoparticles modified ZnCo coating surface, which was deposited on the titanium substrate (termed as AuZnCo/Ti). The AuZnCo/Ti catalysts were prepared via a facile electrochemical deposition technique followed by a simple and low-cost galvanic displacement. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy were used for characterization of the prepared catalysts surface morphology, structure and composition, whereas their electrocatalytic behaviour was investigated for the electrochemical oxidation of hydrazine and sodium borohydride in an alkaline medium using cyclic voltammetry. It has been determined that the AuZnCo/Ti catalysts with Au loadings of 31, 63 and 306 µg cm–2 show enhanced catalytic activity towards the electrochemical oxidation of both hydrazine and sodium borohydride as compared to that of the ZnCo/Ti catalyst.
The Iliviaq Returns to Gjoa Haven: Interrogating Objects from Roald Amundsen’s Collection in the Nattilik Heritage Centre
Authors: Wang Tone
Published: September 2019

Museum collaboration and object return has been discussed and examined widely in practice and literature in recent decades (e.g. Fienup-Riordan 1998; Peers and Brown 2003; Basu 2017). This paper examines an instance of object return, a wooden bowl. The bowl was part of the Roald Amundsen/Gjoa Haven Collection held at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, Norway, and returned to the Nattilik Heritage Centre in Gjoa Haven in 2013. Upon its return to Gjoa Haven, the bowl became the focus of interrogations and discussions to determine how it might be related to local heritage and traditional knowledge. This paper explores how this particular instance of memory work might contribute to our understanding of the processes at play in repatriation activities, or, to quote Paul Basu, the bowl’s “entanglements of ongoing social, spatial, temporal and material trajectories and relationships, dislocations and relocations” (2017, 2) as seen from the perspective of Gjoa Haven residents.
“Some Account of an Extraordinary Traveller”: Using Virtual Tours to Access Remote Heritage Sites of Inuit Cultural Knowledge
Authors: Dawson Peter C. , Porter Cecilia , Gadbois Denis , Keith Darren , Hughes Colleen , Suluk Luke
Published: September 2019

The use of panoramic images to transport viewers to remote geographic locations can be traced back to the panorama theatres of nineteenth-century Victorian London. More recently, Google’s World Wonders Project has utilized 360-degree panospheres to capture some of the world’s most famous heritage sites. Using arrows that demarcate a defined path of movement, users can virtually tour these sites by “jumping” from one panosphere to the next. Arvia’juaq National Historic site is located near the community of Arviat. Although the heritage value of the site is highly significant, Arvia’juaq sees few national and international visitors because of its remote location. For a variety of reasons, some local Inuit also find it difficult to regularly visit the site even though it is an important source of cultural identity. In this paper, we explore how panospheres can be used to create interactive virtual tours of heritage sites like Arvia’juaq. Although there are some caveats, we argue that virtual reality (VR) tours are potentially powerful tools for connecting people to heritage sites that might otherwise be inaccessible. This has important implications for raising awareness of polar heritage and its significance to Indigenous people, as well as national and international audiences.
Baseline Objective Inflammation by Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Predictor of Therapeutic Benefit in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis With Poor Prognosis
Authors: Ahmad Harris A. , Baker Joshua F. , Østergaard Mikkel , Emery Paul , Durez Patrick , Ye June , Banerjee Subhashis , Conaghan Philip G.
Published: September 2019

Objective

High magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–detected inflammation is associated with greater progression and poorer outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This analysis aimed to determine if baseline MRI inflammation was related to clinical response and remission in the Assessing Very Early Rheumatoid arthritis Treatment (AVERT) study.

Methods

AVERT was a phase IIIb, randomized, controlled trial with a 12‐month, double‐blind treatment period enrolling patients with early (≤2 years' duration), anti‐citrullinated peptide–positive methotrexate (MTX)‐naive RA. In this post hoc analysis, patients in the abatacept plus MTX (n = 114) and MTX (n = 111) arms with available MRI results were stratified into low and high baseline MRI inflammation groups based on previously developed cutoffs of synovitis and osteitis on unilateral hand–wrist contrast‐enhanced MRI. Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) remission (≤3.3), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission (≤2.8), Boolean remission, and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C‐reactive protein level (<2.6) were assessed.

Results

Overall, 100 of 225 patients (44.4%) had high baseline MRI inflammation. In patients with high baseline MRI inflammation, a significantly greater proportion achieved remission at 12 months with abatacept plus MTX versus MTX across SDAI (45.1% versus 16.3%; P = 0.0022), CDAI (47.1% versus 20.4%; P = 0.0065), and Boolean indices (39.2% versus 16.3%; P = 0.0156). In patients with low baseline MRI inflammation, remission rates were not significantly different with abatacept plus MTX versus MTX (SDAI: 39.7% versus 32.3%; P = 0.4961).

Conclusion

In seropositive, MTX‐naive patients with early RA and presence of objectively measured high inflammation by MRI, indicating poor prognosis, remission rates were higher with abatacept plus MTX treatment versus MTX.
Modified Ceria for “Low‐Temperature” CO2Utilization: A Chemical Looping Route to Exploit Industrial Waste Heat
Authors: Haribal Vasudev Pralhad , Wang Xijun , Dudek Ryan , Paulus Courtney , Turk Brian , Gupta Raghubir , Li Fanxing
Published: September 2019

Efficient CO2utilization is key to limit global climate change. Carbon monoxide, which is a crucial feedstock for chemical synthesis, can be produced by splitting CO2. However, existing thermochemical routes are energy intensive requiring high operating temperatures. A hybrid redox process (HRP) involving CO2‐to‐CO conversion using a lattice oxygen‐deprived redox catalyst at relatively low temperatures (<700 °C) is reported. The lattice oxygen of the redox catalyst, restored during CO2‐splitting, is subsequently used to convert methane to syngas. Operated at temperatures significantly lower than a number of industrial waste heat sources, this cyclic redox process allows for efficient waste heat‐utilization to convert CO2. To enable the low temperature operation, lanthanum modified ceria (1:1 Ce:La) promoted by rhodium (0.5 wt%) is reported as an effective redox catalyst. Near‐complete CO2conversion with a syngas yield of up to 83% at low temperatures is achieved using Rh‐promoted LaCeO4−x. While La improves low‐temperature bulk redox properties of ceria, Rh considerably enhances the surface catalytic properties for methane activation. Density functional theory calculations further illustrate the underlying functions of La‐substitution. The highly effective redox catalyst and HRP scheme provide a potentially attractive route for chemical production using CO2, industrial waste heat, and methane, with appreciably lowered CO2emissions.
Multifunctional Transition Metal‐Based Phosphides in Energy‐Related Electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Yang , Dong Zihao , Jiao Lifang
Published: September 2019

The exploitation of cheap and efficient electrocatalysts is the key to make energy‐related electrocatalytic techniques commercially viable. In recent years, transition metal phosphides (TMPs) electrocatalysts have gained a great deal of attention owing to their multifunctional active sites, tunable structure, and composition, as well as unique physicochemical properties. This review summarizes the up‐to‐date progress on TMPs in energy‐related electrocatalysis from diversified synthetic methods, ingenious‐modulated strategies, and novel applications. In order to set forth theory–structure–performance relationships upon TMPs, the corresponding reaction mechanisms, electrocatalytsts' structure/composition designs and desired electrochemical performance are jointly discussed, along with demonstrating their practical electrocatalytic applications in overall water splitting, metal–air batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, etc. In the end, some underpinning issues and research orientations of TMPs toward efficient energy‐related electrocatalysis are briefly proposed.
Trapping and Reactivity of a Molecular Aluminium Oxide Ion
Authors: Hicks Jamie , Heilmann Andreas , Vasko Petra , Goicoechea Jose M. , Aldridge Simon
Published: September 2019

Aluminium oxides constitute an important class of inorganic compound that are widely exploited in the chemical industry as catalysts and catalyst supports. Due to the tendency for such systems to aggregate via Al‐O‐Al bridges, the synthesis of well‐defined, soluble, molecular models for these materials is challenging. Here we show that reactions of the potassium aluminyl complex K2[(NON)Al]2(NON=4,5‐bis(2,6‐diiso‐propylanilido)‐2,7‐di‐tert‐butyl‐9,9‐dimethylxanthene) with CO2, PhNCO and N2O all proceed via a common aluminium oxide intermediate. This highly reactive species can be trapped by coordination of a THF molecule as the anionic oxide complex [(NON)AlO(THF)]−, which features discrete Al−O bonds and dimerizes in the solid state via weak O⋅⋅⋅K interactions. This species reacts with a range of small molecules including N2O (to give a hyponitrite ([N2O2]2−) complex) and H2, the latter offering an unequivocal example of heterolytic E−H bond cleavage across a main group M−O bond.
Enantioselektive Desymmetrisierung von Cyclobutanonen: Eine Schnellstraße zu molekularer Komplexität
Authors: Sietmann Jan , Wahl Johannes M.
Published: September 2019

Cyclobutanone eignen sich besonders gut für enantioselektive Desymmetrisierungen, da ihre inhärente Ringspannung eine Vielzahl ungewöhnlicher Reaktionen ermöglicht. Aktuelle Methoden umfassen α‐Funktionalisierungen, Umlagerungen und C‐C‐Aktivierungen, die Cyclobutanone direkt in eine Fülle chiraler Verbindungen mit oftmals biologischer Relevanz umwandeln. Dieser Kurzaufsatz soll einen Überblick über den aktuellen Stand der Methoden geben, die in nur einem einzigen Schritt komplexe Moleküle aus prochiralen Cyclobutanonen erzeugen.
Enantioselective Desymmetrization of Cyclobutanones: A Speedway to Molecular Complexity
Authors: Sietmann Jan , Wahl Johannes M.
Published: September 2019

Cyclobutanones hold a privileged role in enantioselective desymmetrization because their inherent ring strain allows for a variety of unusual reactions to occur. Current strategies include α‐functionalization, rearrangement, and C−C bond activation to directly convert cyclobutanones into a wide range of enantiomerically enriched compounds, including many biologically significant scaffolds. This Minireview provides an overview of state‐of‐the‐art methods that generate complexity from prochiral cyclobutanones in a single operation.
Invasion biology, ecology, and management of Frankliniella occidentalis in China
Authors: Zhang Bin , Qian Wanqiang , Qiao Xi , Xi Yu , Wan Fanghao
Published: September 2019

Frankliniella occidentalis is an economically important invasive pest worldwide, which can damage various horticultural crops and ornamental plants. F. occidentalis was first intercepted in Kunming, Yunnan province in 2000, and first reported to establish a population in Beijing, China in 2003. Since then, this pest is currently distributed across tens of provinces in mainland China and cause increasingly serious damage and loss. To control this pest, invasion biology, monitoring, and integrated pest management have been generally and intensively studied for 15 years in China. Furthermore, western flower thrips (WFT) as an important invasive insect pest, the research achievements on WFT has contributed to the promotion of technological innovation and development for invasive alien species management strategies and techniques in China. This review provides an overview for research on the biology, ecology, prevention, and management of this pest during 15 years in China. Meanwhile, China's “4E action” strategy on F. occidentalis is also discussed in this review.
Synovial sarcoma of the supraclavicular region causing a hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Halily Sara , Ballage Amine , Ardhaoui Hamida , Rouadi Sami , Abada Redallah , Roubal Mohamed , Mahtar Mohamed , El Khiraoui Hasna , Belhaj Salwa , Marnissi Farida
Published: September 2019

A cystic mass that rapidly increases in volume in a dangerous anatomical region, notably the supraclavicular region, which contains important neurovascular elements, must be considered at high risk. A vascular study is mandatory before biopsy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be a treatment option in high‐risk synovial sarcoma.
Oxygen Reduction Investigation on Sputtered ZnO Layers with Nano‐granular Structure
Authors: Soares Costa Josiane , Prestat Michel , Lescop Benoit , Rioual Stéphane , Tribollet Bernard , Holzer Lorenz , Pélissier Krystel , Thierry Dominique
Published: September 2019

Zinc oxide (ZnO) films with nano‐granular structure were deposited by radio‐frequency magnetron sputtering. The absence of preferred orientation was verified by XRD. HAADF‐STEM images revealed a nanoporous structure with pore and grain sizes around 10 nm. The narrowness of the pores enabled to approximate that oxygen reduction takes place at the surface of the layers. During cathodic polarization, the surface of the electrodes became rougher due to the development of nodules on the surface. The ZnO electrodes exhibit a high activity towards oxygen reduction in KOH solution (pH=10). Rotating ring‐disk electrode measurements coupled with reaction modelling allowed to quantitatively demonstrate that the direct reduction prevailed with the indirect pathway being active as well.
5,5,15,15‐Tetraoxo‐5,15‐Dithiaporphyrin as a Highly Electron‐Deficient Porphyrinic Ligand
Authors: Yagi Atsumi , Kondo Takeshi , Yamashita Daisuke , Wachi Naruhiko , Omori Hiroto , Fukui Norihito , Ikeue Takahisa , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: September 2019

Oxidation of 5,15‐dithiaporphyrin with meta‐chloroperbenzoic acid afforded the corresponding S,S‐tetraoxide in good yield. The resultant 5,5,15,15‐tetraoxo‐5,15‐dithiaporphyrin exhibited the highly electron‐deficient nature as elucidated by the electrochemical analysis and theoretical calculations. Treatment of tetraoxodithiaporphyrin with zinc(II) acetate and nickel(II) acetate provided the corresponding metal complexes efficiently. Owing to its enhanced Lewis acidity of the metal center by the electron‐deficient ligand, the nickel complex underwent facile axial ligation to form pentacoordinate and hexacoordinate high‐spin (S=1) complexes in solution and solid, respectively. The binding constant of pyridine to the NiII center was significantly higher than those of conventional porphyrin NiII complexes. Temperature‐dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements of the high‐spin NiII complex revealed the presence of weak ferromagnetic interactions.
Visible‐Light‐Driven Intermolecular Reductive Ene–Yne Coupling by Iridium/Cobalt Dual Catalysis for C(sp3)−C(sp2) Bond Formation
Authors: González María J. , Breit Bernhard
Published: September 2019

A new methodology to form C(sp3)−C(sp2) bonds by visible‐light‐driven intermolecular reductive ene–yne coupling has been successfully developed. The process relies on the ability of the Hantzsch ester to contribute in both SET and HAT processes through a unified cobalt and iridium catalytic system. This procedure avoids the use of stoichiometric amounts of reducing metallic reagents, which is translated into high functional‐group tolerance and atom economy.
Towards Extended Zinc Ethylsulfinate Networks by Stepwise Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide into Zn−C Bonds
Authors: Tulewicz Adam , Wolska‐Pietkiewicz Małgorzata , Jędrzejewska Maria , Ratajczyk Tomasz , Justyniak Iwona , Lewiński Janusz
Published: September 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Janusz Lewiński from Polish Academy of Sciences and Warsaw University of Technology. The image depicts how a zinc ethylsulfinate web can be woven by using diethylzinc and sulfur dioxide. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201902733.
Nanoscopic Combination of Edge and Flat Planes in the Active Site for Oxygen Reduction and Evolution
Authors: Maruyama Jun , Maruyama Shohei , Fukuhara Tomoko , Takao Yuko , Miyazaki Kohei
Published: September 2019

An iron‐containing carbonaceous flat plane was enriched with edges by substrate fine etching and metal oxide loading, resulting in substantial enhancement of the catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction and evolution, which was fundamentally shown using the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite basal plane as the substrate. The evolution close to the standard electrode potential was elucidated by a mechanism involving the nanoscopic edge‐flat plane combination.
MicroRNA‐210 Promotes Bile Acid–Induced Cholestatic Liver Injury by Targeting Mixed‐Lineage Leukemia‐4 Methyltransferase in Mice
Authors: Kim Young‐Chae , Jung Hyunkyung , Seok Sunmi , Zhang Yang , Ma Jian , Li Tiangang , Kemper Byron , Kemper Jongsook Kim
Published: September 2019

Background and Aims

Bile acids (BAs) are important regulators of metabolism and energy balance, but excess BAs cause cholestatic liver injury. The histone methyltransferase mixed‐lineage leukemia‐4 (MLL4) is a transcriptional coactivator of the BA‐sensing nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and epigenetically up‐regulates FXR targets important for the regulation of BA levels, small heterodimer partner (SHP), and bile salt export pump (BSEP). MLL4 expression is aberrantly down‐regulated and BA homeostasis is disrupted in cholestatic mice, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear.

Approach and Results

We examined whether elevated microRNA‐210 (miR‐210) in cholestatic liver promotes BA‐induced pathology by inhibiting MLL4 expression. miR‐210 was the most highly elevated miR in hepatic SHP‐down‐regulated mice with elevated hepatic BA levels. MLL4 was identified as a direct target of miR‐210, and overexpression of miR‐210 inhibited MLL4 and, subsequently, BSEP and SHP expression, resulting in defective BA metabolism and hepatotoxicity with inflammation. miR‐210 levels were elevated in cholestatic mouse models, and in vivo silencing of miR‐210 ameliorated BA‐induced liver pathology and decreased hydrophobic BA levels in an MLL4‐dependent manner. In gene expression studies, SHP inhibited miR‐210 expression by repressing a transcriptional activator, Kruppel‐like factor‐4 (KLF4). In patients with primary biliary cholangitis/cirrhosis (PBC), hepatic levels of miR‐210 and KLF4 were highly elevated, whereas nuclear levels of SHP and MLL4 were reduced.

Conclusions

Hepatic miR‐210 is physiologically regulated by SHP but elevated in cholestatic mice and patients with PBC, promoting BA‐induced liver injury in part by targeting MLL4. The miR‐210–MLL4 axis is a potential target for the treatment of BA‐associated hepatobiliary disease.
Role of forkhead box gene family in bone metabolism
Authors: Huang Jinjing , Shen Gengyang , Ren Hui , Zhang Zhida , Yu Xiang , Zhao Wenhua , Shang Qi , Cui Jianchao , Yu Peiyuan , Peng Jiancheng , Liang De , Yang Zhidong , Jiang Xiaobing
Published: September 2019

Bone metabolism is associated with many bone diseases and regulated by multiple signal pathways. Over the past three decades, the functions of a superfamily of evolutionarily conserved transcriptional regulators, known as forkhead box (Fox) family, has been demonstrated to contribute to the bone metabolism. Genetic analysis studies have demonstrated that Fox gene family participate in bone metabolism and that their expression can be regulated by multiple factors. The deregulation of Fox gene family can lead to a series of bone metabolic diseases. In this manuscript, we sketched the biology of the Foxs family, summarized its function of regulating bone metabolism and maintaining bone homeostasis to estimate its potential therapeutic effects in bone diseases, and suggested directions for future exploration in this important field.
Droplet‐digital PCR assay to detect Merkel cell polyomavirus sequences in chorionic villi from spontaneous abortion affected females
Authors: Tagliapietra Andrea , Rotondo John Charles , Bononi Ilaria , Mazzoni Elisa , Magagnoli Federica , Gonzalez Lucia Oton , Contini Carlo , Vesce Fortunato , Tognon Mauro , Martini Fernanda
Published: September 2019

Droplet‐digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) technique was set up to detect/quantify Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA in clinical specimens, including chorionic villi and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from spontaneous abortion (SA)‐affected females. This ddPCR assay showed high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in detecting MCPyV DNA cloned in a recombinant plasmid vector, the control. ddPCR was extended to MCPyV DNA to investigate/quantify its sequences in clinical samples. Overall, 400 samples were analyzed, that is, 100 chorionic villi and 100 PBMCs, from SA females (n = 100), the cases, and 100 chorionic villi and 100 PBMCs from females who underwent voluntary pregnancy interruption (VI, n = 100), the control. MCPyV DNA was detected in 4/100 (4%) and 5/100 (5%) of SA and VI chorionic villi, respectively. The mean viral DNA load was 1.99 ( ± 0.94 standard mean deviation [SD]) copy/104 cells in SA and 3.02 ( ± 1.86 [SD]) copy/104 cells in VI. In PBMCs, MCPyV DNA was revealed in 9/100 (9%) and 14/100 (14%) of SA and VI, with a mean of 2.09 ( ± 1.17 [SD]) copy/104 cells and 4.09 ( ± 4.26 [SD]) copy/104 cells in SA and VI, respectively. MCPyV gene expression analysis by quantitative PCR for the large T antigen (LT) and viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) showed their mRNAs in 2/4 (50%) SA‐ and 2/5 (40%) VI‐MCPyV‐positive samples. MCPyV DNA was detected/quantified using the ddPCR technique, in chorionic villi and PBMCs from SA and VI. In our experimental conditions, ddPCR provided a powerful tool to detect/quantify MCPyV DNA sequences in clinical samples.
Nrf2–ARE signaling in cellular protection: Mechanism of action and the regulatory mechanisms
Authors: Shaw Pallab , Chattopadhyay Ansuman
Published: September 2019

Oxidative stress is the increase in cellular oxidant concentration in comparison to antioxidant titer. Toxic insults and many other diseased conditions are mediated through the formation of such condition. Once the redox equilibrium is disrupted, the cellular antioxidant system functions to bring back the cell to redox homeostasis state. The field players of the cytoprotective machinery are the xenobiotic‐metabolizing enzymes that are transcriptionally controlled by upstream regulatory pathways like the Nrf2–ARE pathway and AhR–XRE pathway. The importance of Nrf2 lies in the fact that it is activated by a variety of compounds and has a wide range of inducers including metals, organic toxicants and so forth. The present review article aims to discuss the role of Nrf2 in cellular protection and also intends to illuminate the regulatory mechanisms that control Nrf2 itself. This can add to our knowledge of how the cell reacts and survives against such stressed conditions.
Isolation and phenotypic characterization of tumor cells of patients with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Castañeda Luz D. , Tovar‐Parra David , Quintero Gloria , Amezquita Lorena , Guerrero Carlos , Sanabria Daniel
Published: September 2019

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer‐related deaths. It causes approximately 125,000 deaths per year worldwide; its diagnosis is made in advanced stages resulting in a high mortality rate. The objective of the study was optimizing the isolation of cells obtained from the solid tumor and ascitic fluid of patients with ovarian cancer and the phenotype with markers related to the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. For this, the solid tumor tissue was disaggregated and cultivated with different methodologies. As a result, cell growth was obtained and epi‐immunofluorescence was performed using antibodies against E‐cadherin, EpCAM, N‐cadherin, vimentin, CD133, and CD44. The primary culture from the solid tumor was obtained using Dispase II and DMEM/F12. Finally, heterogeneity was detected in terms of the expression of mesenchymal and epithelial type markers in the two types of isolated cells. Additionally, CD133 and CD44 expression was detected, proteins associated with the tumor stem cells phenotype.
lncrps25 play an essential role in motor neuron development through controlling the expression of olig2 in zebrafish
Authors: Gao Tianheng , Li Jingyun , Li Nan , Gao Yan , Yu Lingling , Zhuang Sisi , Zhao Yingmin , Dong Xiaohua
Published: September 2019

lncrps25 is an intergenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), which is location close to rps25 (ribosomal protein S25) gene, is reported share high conserved sequence with NREP (neuronal regeneration‐related protein) 3′‐untranslated region. The function and mechanism of most of the lncRNA in embryo development remain largely unknown. In zebrafish, lncrps25 is widely expressed in the early embryonic stage and spinal cord during development. Morpholino (MO) knockdown of zebrafish lncrps25 exhibit locomotor behavior defects, caused by abnormal development of motor neurons. In addition, the defect of swimming ability and motor neurons could be recovery by microinject with lncrps25 RNA in lncrps25 morphants. By performing RNA sequencing and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, we found that olig2 (oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2) messenger RNA (mRNA) was downregulated in lncrps25 morphants. Moreover, overexpression of olig2 mRNA in lncrps25 morphants partially rescued motor neurons development. Taken together, these results indicate that lncrps25 plays an essential role in the development of motor neurons in zebrafish.
Patient assessment of chatbots for the scalable delivery of genetic counseling
Authors: Schmidlen Tara , Schwartz Marci , DiLoreto Kristy , Kirchner H. Lester , Sturm Amy C.
Published: September 2019

A barrier to incorporating genomics more broadly is limited access to providers with genomics expertise. Chatbots are a technology‐based simulated conversation used in scaling communications. Geisinger and Clear Genetics, Inc. have developed chatbots to facilitate communication with participants receiving clinically actionable genetic variants from the MyCode® Community Health Initiative (MyCode®). The consent chatbot walks patients through the consent allowing them to opt to receive more or less detail on key topics (goals, benefits, risks, etc.). The follow‐up chatbot reminds participants of suggested actions following result receipt and the cascade chatbot can be sent to at‐risk relatives by participants to share their genetic test results and facilitate cascade testing. To explore the acceptability, usability, and understanding of the study consent, post‐result follow‐up and cascade testing chatbots, we conducted six focus groups with MyCode® participants. Sixty‐two individuals participated in a focus group (n = 33 consent chatbot, n = 29 follow‐up and cascade chatbot). Participants were mostly female (n = 42, 68%), Caucasian (n = 58, 94%), college‐educated (n = 33,53%), retirees (n = 38, 61%), and of age 56 years or older (n = 52, 84%). Few participants reported that they knew what a chatbot was (n = 10, 16%), and a small number reported that they had used a chatbot (n = 5, 8%). Qualitative analysis of transcripts and notes from focus groups revealed four main themes: (a) overall impressions, (b) suggested improvements, (c) concerns and limitations, and (d) implementation. Participants supported using chatbots to consent for genomics research and to interact with healthcare providers for care coordination following receipt of genomic results. Most expressed willingness to use a chatbot to share genetic information with relatives. The consent chatbot presents an engaging alternative to deliver content challenging to comprehend in traditional paper or in‐person consent. The cascade and follow‐up chatbots may be acceptable, user‐friendly, scalable approaches to manage ancillary genetic counseling tasks.
Heterologous expression of the puuE from Oenococcus oeni SD‐2a in Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 improves ethanol tolerance
Authors: Yuan Lin , Zhao Hongyu , Liu Longxiang , Peng Shuai , Li Hua , Wang Hua
Published: September 2019

Oenococcus oeni is the main bacteria extensively used in malolactic fermentation due to its high tolerance against stress factors in wine production. Among these, ethanol is one of the main challenges to O. oeni, and its ethanol tolerance mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the puuE gene related to ethanol tolerance from O. oeni SD‐2a was heterologously expressed in Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1. Results showed that the recombinant strain (W‐pMG36epuuE) exhibited better growth performance and survival rate compared to the control strain (W‐pMG36e) under ethanol‐stress conditions. In addition, it was found that the activities of superoxide dismutase and the concentration of glutathione of W‐pMG36epuuE were significantly higher than those of W‐pMG36e. This resulted in the decrease of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation (10.34% lower than control). Moreover, heterologous expression of puuE in WCFS1 exhibited improved activities of two ATPases in membrane, increasing the cell membrane integrity (37.67% higher than control). These results revealed the role of the puuE gene in improving ethanol tolerance in O. oeni by decreasing ROS accumulation and enhancing cell membrane integrity.
Dark is durable, light is user‐friendly: The impact of color lightness on two product attribute judgments
Authors: Hagtvedt Henrik
Published: September 2019

Visual design elements such as color do not only provide aesthetic appeal; they also convey information that consumers rely on when making unrelated product attribute judgments. Seven experiments reveal that consumers assess darker‐colored products to be more durable but less user‐friendly than lighter‐colored ones. Both outcomes are linked to the influence of color lightness on perceived weight, but the latter outcome appears to be more easily disrupted than the former one. Specifically, the impact of color lightness on user‐friendliness assessments, but not on durability assessments, is eliminated when the role of weight is unclear or when cognitive load is induced. However, consumers make greater downward adjustments in their durability assessments after physically handling a product with darker (vs. lighter) color. These findings highlight some of the potential complexities and nuances in consumer responses to color.
Análisis de puntas de proyectil San Martín de la Cuenca de Salinas Grandes (Salta, Argentina) como aporte para la arqueología de cazadores-recolectores andinos
Authors: Restifo Federico , Patané Aráoz Claudio Javier , Piraino Javier
Published: September 2019

Se presenta el análisis de 21 puntas de proyectil San Martín provenientes de la cuenca de Salinas Grandes (Salta, Argentina), asignables a finales del Holoceno temprano e inicios del Holoceno medio. Se obtuvo información novedosa mediante el examen de (1) variedad de rocas, (2) inversión de trabajo en manufactura, y (3) sistemas de armas. Se plantea la selección de rocas locales y de tenacidad intermedia, la aplicación de diferentes modalidades de formatización y un mayor sustento como armas de mano y lanza arrojadiza. En conjunto con la evidencia regional, las piezas analizadas serían consecuencia de un proceso de diversificación de clases de puntas de proyectil ocurrido en un contexto de cambio ambiental.
Long-term outcomes of open and endovascular treatment of recurrent carotid artery stenosis – a 16-year retrospective single centre case series
Authors: Ahmad Wael , Deeb Hiba , Otto Christoph , Kalmykov Egan L. , Barkans Arthurs , Kabbasch Christoph , Sharkawy Mohamed Ibrahim , Brunkwall Jan Sigge
Published: September 2019

Summary: Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate perioperative as well as long-term outcomes in patients operated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or stenting (CAS) due to symptomatic or asymptomatic high-grade restenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Patients and methods: In a retrospective analysis of our electronic database including 2980 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy or stenting due to a symptomatic or asymptomatic high-grade stenosis of the ICA, between 2000 and 2016, we enrolled 111 patients with recurrent ICA stenosis. Results: An ipsilateral 2nd time restenosis (> 80 % in the asymptomatic and > 50 % in the symptomatic patients according to NASCET criteria) of ICA was detected in 13 patients (12 %); 3 of them were symptomatic. These patients were managed with either CEA (n = 5/38 %) or CAS (n = 8/62 %) with no perioperative stroke or death. The stroke-free survival rates at 2 and 8 years for CEA were 98 % and 98 % versus 100 % and 100 % for CAS respectively (P = .271). The type of the initial procedure (patch, CAS or interposition) did not play any significant role for the development of a 2nd time restenosis (P = .841). Conclusions: Redo-CEA/CAS seem to have similar results as primary procedures (as reported in the literature) with favorable periprocedural and long-term outcomes.
Correction: Long-term outcomes of the GPOH NB97 trial for children with high-risk neuroblastoma comparing high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation and oral chemotherapy as consolidation
Authors: Berthold Frank , Ernst Angela , Hero Barbara , Klingebiel Thomas , Kremens Bernhard , Schilling Freimut H. , Simon Thorsten
Published: September 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Conspecific and allospecific larval extracts entice mosquitoes to lay eggs and may be used in attract-and-kill control strategy
Authors: Faierstein Gabriel B. , Lu WeiYu , Sena Andréa K. L. S. , Barbosa Rosângela M. R. , Leal Walter S.
Published: September 2019

One of the strategies of integrated vector management is to lure gravid mosquitoes for surveillance purposes or to entice them to lay eggs in water containing toxins that kill the offspring (attract-and-kill or trap-and-kill). Typically, the major challenge of this approach is the development of a lure that stimulates oviposition plus a toxin with no deterrent effect. Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) satisfies the latter criterion, but lures for these autocidal gravid traps are sorely needed. We observed that gravid Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus laid significantly more eggs in cups with extracts from 4th-stage larvae (4 L) of the same or different species. No activity was found when 4 L were extracted with hexane, diethyl ether, methanol, or butanol, but activity was observed with dimethyl sulfoxide extracts. Larval extracts contained both oviposition stimulant(s)/attractant(s) and deterrent(s), which partitioned in the water and hexane phases, respectively. Lyophilized larval extracts were active after a month, but activity was reduced by keeping the sample at 4 °C. In the tested range of 0.1 to 1 larvae-equivalent per milliliter, oviposition activity increased in a dose-dependent manner. In field experiments, Ae. aegpti laid significantly more eggs in traps loaded with larval extracts plus Bti than in control traps with water plus Bti.
Experimental determination of cold water temperature at the inlet to solar water storage tanks
Authors: Zukowski Miroslaw
Published: September 2019

In the present work, results of experimental research on the mains water temperature supplying the Solar Domestic Hot Water system in the period from 2016 to 2018 are shown. The test object is located in the Hotel for Research Assistants on Bialystok University of Technology campus in Poland. One of the elements that will guarantee the correct energy balance of a hot tap-water system is the exact determination of the cold water temperature. The aim of this study is estimation of the temperature of the mains water flowing into the district heating substation and the water feeding directly the heat storage tanks. The research results showed that the average value of the cold water was 14.09°C during the 3 years of measurements. Moreover, it was shown that this temperature increased by about 0.4°C as a result of heat exchange with the air inside the substation. In the article, the author proposed modifications of coefficients in a commonly used model developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory for determining the temperature of mains water in energy simulations. The proposed changes allow for accurate modelling of the cold water temperature under the climate conditions of north-eastern Poland.
Radio detection of extensive air showers
Authors: Hörandel Jörg R.
Published: September 2019

Radio detection of extensive air showers is a flourish technique, attracting more and more interest to investigate the properties of high-energy cosmic rays. Past, present, and future developments are reviewed.
A new parametrization for the radio emission of air showers applied to LOFAR data
Authors: Plaisier I. , Bonardi A. , Buitink S. , Corstanje A. , Falcke H. , Hare B.M. , Hörandel J.R. , de Jong S. , Mitra P. , Mulrey K. , Nelles A. , Rachen J. , Rossetto L. , Schellart P. , Scholten O. , ter Veen S. , Thoudam S. , Trinh T.N.G. , Winchen T.
Published: September 2019

The energy and mass composition of cosmic rays influence how the energy density of the radio emission of air showers is distributed on the ground. A precise description of the radio profiles can, therefore, be used to reconstruct the properties of the primary cosmic rays. Here, such a description is presented, using a separate treatment of the two radio-emission mechanisms, the geomagnetic effect and the charge excess effect. The model is parametrized as a function that depends only on the shower parameters, allowing for a precise reconstruction of the properties of the primary cosmic rays. This model is applied to cosmic-ray events measured with LOFAR and it is capable of reconstructing the properties of air showers correctly.
An Overview of Digitalisation in Conventional Supply Chain Management
Authors: Menon Sarath , Shah Satya
Published: September 2019

Rapidly growing technology and a digitally focused world have opened the door for a new wave of automation to enter the work force in the industry. Industry 4.0 plays a vital role in Supply chain management (SCM) which requires constant research and improvements due to high demand to meet their global competitive markets. As part of achieving this high demands, SCM has been incorporating the latest evolving technologies by digitalizing and automating themselves to increase their financial profits and competitiveness in the market. This paper aims to have a review on Supply Chain Management (SCM) and latest technologies in Industry 4.0 revolution.
Application of selected marketing and logistics methods in the Czech Republic
Authors: Taraba Pavel , Belantová Tereza
Published: September 2019

The main aim of the paper is to analyze the level of application of selected marketing and logistics methods in different types of companies. The result of the analysis is a description of the current situation in companies operating in the Czech Republic. In the first stage, relevant information sources from the field of logistics and marketing were analyzed. Data collection was carried out in the form of a questionnaire survey in the second stage. In the third stage, the data were processed, and the results were interpreted using descriptive statistics methods. At the end of the paper, the results and the identified limits are formulated which must be taken into account in their interpretation.
Compressible Pipe Flow with Friction and Gravity
Authors: Morishita Etsuo
Published: September 2019

A viscous one-dimensional compressible pipe flow under gravity effect is studied analytically. The compressible one-dimensional pipe flow with friction is called Fanno flow and the solution is given by analytical formula. In gas dynamics, the gravity effect is minimal and it is not included in the equations. However, it was shown by the present author that the elevation of a pipe could change the flow conditions in a one-dimensional compressible potential flow under gravity. The sonic condition is reached at the maximum height for an inviscid pipe flow. In this paper, the gravity effect is extended to the viscous one- dimensional pipe flow. Subsonic–supersonic transition is also possible by up and down of the pipe as in the inviscid flow, and it is found that the sonic condition deviates from the peak position of the pipe.
Analysis and Smoothing of EMG Signal Envelope Using Kalman and UFIR Filtering under Colored Measurement Noise
Authors: Márquez-Figueroa Sandra , Shmaliy Yuriy S. , Ibarra-Manzano Oscar
Published: September 2019

This article describes some filtering methods to remove artifacts from the EMG signal envelope. Diverse EMG waveforms are studied using the Kalman filter (KF) and unbiased finite impulse response (UFIR) filter. The filters are developed in discrete-time state-space for Gauss-Markov colored measurement noise (CMN) and termed as cKF and cUFIR. It is shown that a choice of a proper CMN factor allows extracting the EMG waveform envelope with a high robustness. Extensive investigation have shown that the cKF and cUFIR filter are most efficient when the density is low of the motor unit action potential (MUAP) of the EMG and the Hilbert transform is required. Otherwise, when the envelope is well-pronounced and well-shaped with sharp edges due to a high MUAP density, the filters can be applied directly without using the Hilbert transform.
Les artisans du bâtiment et leurs déchets : analyse économique du tri à la source
Authors: Charbonnier C.
Published: September 2019

C’est en 2017 que la commission Déchets et propreté de l’Association scientifique et technique pour l’eau et pour l’environnement (Astee) a amorcé des travaux de réflexion sur les déchets de chantier des artisans. Un des objectifs était de recueillir des informations sur les attentes et les besoins des artisans du bâtiment ainsi que sur les difficultés qu’ils rencontrent pour l’application d’une économie circulaire. L’étude qui a été menée par l’Astee en 2018, consolidée à partir des retours d’expériences récoltés sur le terrain, a permis de réaliser cette analyse économique de la mise en place du tri à la source sur les chantiers. Elle démontre notamment que le tri en multi-flux peut permettre aux artisans de respecter la législation en vigueur tout en réalisant des économies.