bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of process simulator to enhance the teaching‐learning process of flow of fluids for engineering students
Authors: de Lucas‐Consuegra Antonio , Serrano Angel , Llanos Javier
Published: April 2018

This manuscript shows how a commercial process simulation software such as Aspen–Hysys can be implemented to enhance the learning experience of Chemical Engineering students in Fluid Mechanics. To this end, a 15 hr practical computer lab is taught as a complement to the Fluid Mechanics lecturer classes at the end of the semester which allow to summarize in a practical way the main concepts of internal flow of fluids. We revisited here five representative learning working cases of this practical lab which includes: pressure drops calculation in pipes and conduction accidents, study of the variation of fluid properties profiles along a piping network, liquid and gases pumping energy calculation, and the study of cavitation phenomenon by the calculation of the Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) in pumps. The proposed practical cases are also solved with the mass and energy balances equations studied in the lecturer classes to verify the obtained results which additionally are discussed according to a number of questions proposed on each practical example. The students feedback and satisfaction survey shows an overall score of the Fluid Mechanics practical course by the students of 8.2 out of 10 showing that this computer lab improves the efficiency of the Fluid Mechanics course since it let students to better understand the behavior of fluids in motion and the basic methods for the analysis and preliminary calculations of a wide variety of problems encountered in internal flow of fluids.
Length of stay following percutaneous coronary intervention: An expert consensus document update from the society for cardiovascular angiography and interventions
Authors: Seto Arnold H. , Shroff Adhir , Abu‐Fadel Mazen , Blankenship James C. , Boudoulas Konstantinos Dean , Cigarroa Joaquin E. , Dehmer Gregory J. , Feldman Dmitriy N. , Kolansky Daniel M. , Lata Kusum , Swaminathan Rajesh V. , Rao Sunil V.
Published: April 2018

Since the publication of the 2009 SCAI Expert Consensus Document on Length of Stay Following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), advances in vascular access techniques, stent technology, and antiplatelet pharmacology have facilitated changes in discharge patterns following PCI. Additional clinical studies have demonstrated the safety of early and same day discharge in selected patients with uncomplicated PCI, while reimbursement policies have discouraged unnecessary hospitalization. This consensus update: (1) clarifies clinical and reimbursement definitions of discharge strategies, (2) reviews the technological advances and literature supporting reduced hospitalization duration and risk assessment, and (3) describes changes to the consensus recommendations on length of stay following PCI (Supporting Information Table S1). These recommendations are intended to support reasonable clinical decision making regarding postprocedure length of stay for a broad spectrum of patients undergoing PCI, rather than prescribing a specific period of observation for individual patients.
Super P Carbon Modified Lithium Anode for High‐Performance Li−O2 Batteries
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Liu Junxiang , Cai Yichao , Cheng Fangyi , Niu Zhiqiang , Chen Jun
Published: April 2018

Rechargeable Li−O2 batteries represent a highly attractive battery technology, owing to a high theoretical energy density of 3500 Wh kg−1, but they suffer from large charging polarization and lithium anode degradation on cycling. Herein, we report a Li−O2 battery system with reduced polarization and a long lifespan, which is realized by using a novel Li@Super P composite anode integrated with lithium iodide in ether‐based electrolyte. Coating a Super P carbon layer, with an optimal thickness of approximately 30 μm, onto the lithium anode results in a lowered interface impedance and a decreased Li depositing/stripping overpotential (<15 mV) over 300 cycles at 0.3 mA cm−2. The Li−O2 batteries assembled with the Li@Super P anode and LiI additive could mitigate the detrimental shuttling effect of I3− and deliver a high reversible capacity of 1000 mAh g−1 with a median charge voltage lower than 3.3 V after 50 cycles. This study provides a simple yet effective way to protect the lithium anode and design high‐performance Li−O2 batteries.
Freestanding Non‐Precious Metal Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution and Reduction Reactions
Authors: Wang Hao‐Fan , Chen Ruixuan , Feng Jingyu , Qiao Mo , Doszczeczko Szymon , Zhang Qiang , Jorge Ana Belen , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena
Published: April 2018

Carbon and transition metals have emerged as promising candidates for many energy storage and conversion devices. They facilitate charge transfer reactions whilst showing a good stability. These materials, fabricated as freestanding electrodes pose the potential of simplified electrode manufacturing procedures whilst demonstrating excellent electrocatalytic, mechanical, and structural properties, resulting from interconnected (via chemical or van der Waals force bonded) network structures. In such freestanding configuration, the lack of a binder leads to a better conductivity, ease in the manufacturing processing, and allows a lower catalyst mass loading, all of which lead to obvious benefits. This Minireview summarizes different fabrication techniques of freestanding non‐precious‐metal oxygen electrocatalysts along with their performance towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and/or oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here, we discuss electrocatalysts produced by using freestanding substrates and those obtained through the self‐assembly of different precursors. The advantages of using freestanding versus non‐freestanding configurations are also pondered. Challenges and perspectives for freestanding electrocatalysts are presented at the end of the Minireview as a guideline for future studies in the field. This work is expected to serve as inspiration for science colleagues to develop further studies into design, processing and testing strategies of freestanding low‐cost oxygen electrocatalysts.
Group 13 Complexes of Chelating N2O2n− Ligands as Hybrid Molecular Materials
Authors: Maar Ryan R. , Gilroy Joe B.
Published: April 2018

Recent synthetic advances have afforded opportunities for the creation of a wide range of potentially tetradentate N2O2n− ligands. When combined with group 13 elements, robust functional molecular materials can be realized. This concept article describes advances surrounding group 13 complexes of selected families of N2O2n− ligands, including examples with unique chirality, sensing/detection capabilities, utility in organic electronics, and redox properties. It also highlights the bridge between fundamental main group chemistry and useful application that is being established within this research field.
A Computational Study of Chalcogen‐containing H2X…YF and (CH3)2X…YF (X=O, S, Se; Y=F, Cl, H) and Pnicogen‐containing H3X′…YF and (CH3)3X′…YF (X′=N, P, As) Complexes
Authors: McDowell Sean A. C. , Buckingham A. David
Published: April 2018

A computational study was undertaken for the model complexes H2X…YF and (CH3)2X…YF (X=O, S, Se; Y=F, Cl, H), and H3X′…YF and (CH3)3X′…YF (X′=N, P, As), at the MP2/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory. For H2X…YF and H3X′…YF, noncovalent interactions dominate the binding in order of increasing YF dipole moment, except for H3As…F2, and possibly H3As…ClF. However, for the methyl‐substituted complexes (CH3)2X…YF and (CH3)3X′…YF the binding is especially strong for the complexes containing F2, implying significant chemical bonding between the interacting molecules. The relative stability of these complexes can be rationalized by the difference in the electronegativity of the X or X′ and Y atoms.
Influence of Transporter Polymorphisms on Drug Disposition and Response: A Perspective From the International Transporter Consortium
Authors: Yee Sook Wah , Brackman Deanna J. , Ennis Elizabeth A. , Sugiyama Yuichi , Kamdem Landry K. , Blanchard Rebecca , Galetin Aleksandra , Zhang Lei , Giacomini Kathleen M.
Published: April 2018

Advances in genomic technologies have led to a wealth of information identifying genetic polymorphisms in membrane transporters, specifically how these polymorphisms affect drug disposition and response. This review describes the current perspective of the International Transporter Consortium (ITC) on clinically important polymorphisms in membrane transporters. ITC suggests that, in addition to previously recommended polymorphisms in ABCG2 (BCRP) and SLCO1B1 (OATP1B1), polymorphisms in the emerging transporter, SLC22A1 (OCT1), be considered during drug development. Collectively, polymorphisms in these transporters are important determinants of interindividual differences in the levels, toxicities, and response to many drugs.
Predation and nutrients drive population declines in breeding waders
Authors: Møller Anders Pape , Thorup Ole , Laursen Karsten
Published: April 2018

Allee effects are defined as a decline in per capita fitness at low population density. We hypothesized that predation reduces population size of breeding waders and thereby the efficiency of predator deterrence, while total nitrogen through its effects on primary and secondary productivity increases population size. Therefore, nest predation could have negative consequences for population size because nest failure generally results in breeding dispersal and hence reduced local population density. To test these predictions, we recorded nest predation in five species of waders for 4,745 nests during 1987–2015 at the nature reserve Tipperne, Denmark. Predation rates were generally negatively related to conspecific and heterospecific population density, but positively related to overall population density of the entire wader community. Nest predation and population density were related to ground water level, management (grazing and mowing), and nutrients. High nest predation with a time lag of one year resulted in low overall breeding population density, while high nutrient levels resulted in higher population density. These two factors accounted for 86% of the variance in population size, presumably due to effects of nest predation on emigration, while nutrient levels increased the level of vegetation cover and the abundance of food in the surrounding brackish water. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that predation may reduce population density through negative density dependence, while total nitrogen at adjacent shallow water may increase population size. Nest predation rates were reduced by high ground water level in March, grazing by cattle and mowing that affected access to and susceptibility of nests to predators. These effects can be managed to benefit breeding waders.
Impact of urbanization on abundance and phenology of caterpillars and consequences for breeding in an insectivorous bird
Authors: Seress Gábor , Hammer Tamás , Bókony Veronika , Vincze Ernő , Preiszner Bálint , Pipoly Ivett , Sinkovics Csenge , Evans Karl L. , Liker András
Published: April 2018

Urbanization can have marked effects on plant and animal populations’ phenology, population size, predator–prey, interactions and reproductive success. These aspects are rarely studied simultaneously in a single system, and some are rarely investigated, e.g., how insect phenology responds to urban development. Here, we study a tri‐trophic system of trees, phytophagous insects (caterpillars), and insectivorous birds (Great Tits) to assess how urbanization influences (1) the phenology of each component of this system, (2) insect abundance, and (3) avian reproductive success. We use data from two urban and two forest sites in Hungary, central Europe, collected over four consecutive years. Despite a trend of earlier leaf emergence in urban sites, there is no evidence for an earlier peak in caterpillar abundance. Thus, contrary to the frequently stated prediction in the literature, the earlier breeding of urban bird populations is not associated with an earlier peak in caterpillar availability. Despite this the seasonal dynamics of caterpillar biomass exhibited striking differences between habitat types with a single clear peak in forests, and several much smaller peaks in urban sites. Caterpillar biomass was higher in forests than urban areas across the entire sampling period, and between 8.5 and 24 times higher during the first brood's chick‐rearing period. This higher biomass was not associated with taller trees in forest sites, or with tree species identity, and occurred despite most of our focal trees being native to the study area. Urban Great Tits laid smaller clutches, experienced more frequent nestling mortality from starvation, reared fewer offspring to fledging age, and their fledglings had lower body mass. Our study strongly indicates that food limitation is responsible for lower avian reproductive success in cities, which is driven by reduced availability of the preferred nestling diet, i.e., caterpillars, rather than phenological shifts in the timing of peak food availability.
Photoactivatable RuII Complex Bearing 2,9‐Diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline: Unusual Photochemistry and Significant Potency on Cisplatin‐Resistant Cell Lines
Authors: Mansour Najwa , Mehanna Stephanie , Mroueh Mohamad A. , Audi Hassib , Bodman‐Smith Kikki , Daher Costantine F. , Taleb Robin I. , El‐Sibai Mirvat , Khnayzer Rony S.
Published: April 2018

The current study investigates [Ru(bipy)2(dpphen)]Cl2 [where bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine and dpphen = 2,9‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline] (complex 1) for photoactivatable chemotherapy (PACT) application on five cancer cell lines. [Ru(bipy)2(phen)]Cl2 [where phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline] (complex 2) was included as an unstrained control. Upon excitation with visible light, complex 2 proved to be photostable while complex 1 underwent a quantitative dissociation of the bipy ligand and formation of a RuII polypyridyl aqua complex in water. Complex 1 demonstrated only marginal activity in the dark; its cytotoxicity increased significantly upon photoactivation with a high phototoxicity index (PI = [IC50 dark]/[IC50 light]) ranging from 39.2‐fold in A549 to over 100‐fold in MDA‐MB‐231. Complex 2, on the other hand, did not show much difference in anticancer activity between dark and light conditions. Importantly, the IC50 of the photoproduct of complex 1 was several folds lower than that of cisplatin in all tested cell lines. Furthermore, the dissociating ligand (bipy) was biologically inert in almost all cell lines investigated confirming that phototoxicity was mediated primarily by the Ru aqua complex that is released upon irradiation. In conclusion, the Ru‐centered complex 1 could represent a potential photoactivatable chemotherapeutic drug that increases selectivity to tumors and offers alternative treatment in the light of increasing cisplatin resistance.
Chemistry of the Highly Strained Alkene Perfluorobicyclo[2.2.0]hex‐1(4)‐ene
Authors: Junk Christopher P. , He Yigang , Zhang Yin , Smith Joshua R. , Dixon David A. , Vasiliu Monica , Lemal David M.
Published: April 2018

Several varieties of cycloaddition as well as nucleophilic and free radical addition to the highly reactive central bond of the title fluorocarbon (1) are described. [2 + 2] Cycloaddition to 1 has made available four of the five known representatives of the [2.2.2]propellane ring system, which are rare because of their extreme strain (in the absence of fluorine substitution) and high reactivity. Two of these, a propellanone and a propellene, are first reported here. Quantum mechanical calculations have shed light on many of these transformations.
Cu‐Catalyzed Coupling of O‐Acyl Oximes with Isatins: Domino Rearrangement Strategy for Direct Access to Quinoline‐4‐Carboxamides by C–N Bond Cleavage
Authors: Ramaraju Andhavaram , Chouhan Neeraj Kumar , Ravi Owk , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Bathula Surendar Reddy
Published: April 2018

A mild domino rearrangement strategy for the direct access to substituted quinoline‐4‐carboxamides has been developed. This copper‐catalyzed coupling reaction of O‐acyl oximes with isatins in the presence of molecular oxygen as the sole oxidizing agent proceeds through a ring expansion of the isatins through cleavage of the two C–N bonds.
Tropylium Ion Catalyzes Hydration Reactions of Alkynes
Authors: Oss Giulia , Ho Junming , Nguyen Thanh Vinh
Published: April 2018

The hydration of alkynes is one of the most atom‐economic and versatile synthetic protocols to access carbonyl compounds. This fundamental reaction, however, often requires transition‐metal catalysts or harsh reaction conditions to promote the addition of water to the carbon–carbon triple bond. In this work, it is demonstrated that the non‐benzenoid aromatic tropylium ion can be used as an organic Lewis acid promoter for the hydration of alkynes under simple reaction conditions with excellent outcomes.
Longitudinal effects of human supremacy beliefs and vegetarianism threat on moral exclusion (vs. inclusion) of animals
Authors: Leite Ana C. , Dhont Kristof , Hodson Gordon
Published: April 2018

Stronger beliefs in human supremacy over animals, and stronger perceived threat posed by vegetarianism to traditional practices, are associated with stronger speciesism and more meat consumption. Both variables might also be implicated in the moral exclusion of animals. We tested this potential in a 16‐month longitudinal study in the USA (N = 219). Human supremacy showed longitudinal effects on the moral exclusion of all animals. Vegetarianism threat only predicted moral exclusion of food animals (e.g., cows and pigs), and, unexpectedly, appealing wild animals (e.g., chimps and dolphins). These findings demonstrate the importance of both human supremacy and perceived threat in explaining moral exclusion of animals and highlight potential paradoxical negative consequences of the rise of vegetarianism.
Stigmatized beliefs: Conspiracy theories, anticipated negative evaluation of the self, and fear of social exclusion
Authors: Lantian Anthony , Muller Dominique , Nurra Cécile , Klein Olivier , Berjot Sophie , Pantazi Myrto
Published: April 2018

Can conspiracy theories be a source of social stigma? If it is true, it would follow that people may expect to be socially excluded when they express endorsement of conspiracy theories. This effect should be partially explained by the knowledge of the negative perceptions associated with conspiracy theories. In Study 1, inducing French internet users to write a text endorsing (vs. criticizing) conspiracy theories about the Charlie Hebdo shooting, led them to anticipate fear of social exclusion. This effect was mediated by anticipated negative evaluation of the self. In Study 2, inducing French internet users to imagine defending (vs. criticizing) conspiracy theories about the Charlie Hebdo shooting in front of an audience led them to anticipate fear of social exclusion. The effect was again mediated by anticipated negative evaluation of the self. To conclude, our findings demonstrate that conspiracy theories can be viewed as a source of social stigma.
Lost in the crowd: Conformity as escape following disbelief in free will
Authors: Moynihan Andrew B. , Igou Eric R. , van Tilburg Wijnand A. P.
Published: April 2018

Belief in free will is founded on the idea that people are responsible for their behavior. People who believe in free will derive meaning in life from these beliefs. Conformity refers to succumbing to external pressures and imitating others’ behaviors. Sometimes, conformity involves a loss of self‐awareness, which reduces perceived meaninglessness. We tested if disbelief in free will increases perceived meaninglessness and if people subsequently become more conformist to address this negative existential perception. We conducted three studies to test this hypothesis. In Study 1, experimentally induced disbelief in free will resulted in perceived meaninglessness. In Study 2, perceived meaninglessness correlated with conformity. Finally, in Study 3, perceived meaninglessness mediated the relationship between disbelief in free will and conformity, especially under high self‐awareness. We conclude that perceptions about meaning play a central role in the relationship between disbelief in free will and conformity.
Electrochemical On‐site Amino Acids Detection of Maple Syrup Urine Disease Using Vertically Aligned Nickel Nanowires
Authors: García‐Carmona Laura , González María Cristina , Escarpa Alberto
Published: April 2018

In this work, vertically aligned nickel nanowires‐based electrochemical sensors (v‐NiNWs) for rapid detection of branched‐chain amino acids for a non‐invasive screening of maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), are proposed. v‐NiNWs meet the required features for decentralized clinical diagnosis: easy to operate, fast sensor response and short total analysis times (5 min), as well as low sample consumption (250 ml). The analytical characteristics (for leucine as representative branched‐chain amino acid in MSUD) such as detection limit (8 μM) and linear range (25–700 μM which includes as midpoint the amino acids cut‐off of 250 μM) clearly showed the suitability of v‐NiNWs as new and disposable analytical tool for rapid screening of branched‐chain amino acids in MSUD because of their high capabilities for reliable differentiation between healthy and ill clinical sample profiles. In addition, intra and inter‐electrodes repeatability were excellent with values of RSD≤4 and 9 %, respectively (n=5). This approach opens novel avenues not only for ultrafast diagnosis of MSUD using miniaturized and even disposable devices but also for a future point‐of‐care testing; providing novel alternatives for on‐site decentralized monitoring.
Optimal clinical management of children receiving dietary therapies for epilepsy: Updated recommendations of the International Ketogenic Diet Study Group
Authors: Kossoff Eric H. , Zupec‐Kania Beth A. , Auvin Stéphane , Ballaban‐Gil Karen R. , Christina Bergqvist A.G. , Blackford Robyn , Buchhalter Jeffrey R. , Caraballo Roberto H. , Cross J. Helen , Dahlin Maria G. , Donner Elizabeth J. , Guzel Orkide , Jehle Rana S. , Klepper Joerg , Kang Hoon‐Chul , Lambrechts Danielle A. , Liu Y.M. Christiana , Nathan Janak K. , Nordli Douglas R. , Pfeifer Heidi H. , Rho Jong M. , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Sharma Suvasini , Stafstrom Carl E. , Thiele Elizabeth A. , Turner Zahava , Vaccarezza Maria M. , van der Louw Elles J.T.M. , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Wheless James W. , Wirrell Elaine C. ,   The Charlie Foundation,   Matthew's Friends,   the Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society
Published: April 2018

Ketogenic dietary therapies (KDTs) are established, effective nonpharmacologic treatments for intractable childhood epilepsy. For many yearsKDTswere implemented differently throughout the world due to lack of consistent protocols. In 2009, an expert consensus guideline for the management of children onKDTwas published, focusing on topics of patient selection, pre‐KDTcounseling and evaluation, diet choice and attributes, implementation, supplementation, follow‐up, side events, andKDTdiscontinuation. It has been helpful in outlining a state‐of‐the‐art protocol, standardizingKDTfor multicenter clinical trials, and identifying areas of controversy and uncertainty for future research. Now one decade later, the organizers and authors of this guideline present a revised version with additional authors, in order to include recent research, especially regarding other dietary treatments, clarifying indications for use, side effects during initiation and ongoing use, value of supplements, and methods ofKDTdiscontinuation. In addition, authors completed a survey of their institution's practices, which was compared to responses from the original consensus survey, to show trends in management over the last 10 years.
Employer liability for third‐party sexual harassment
Authors: Smith Kevin J. , Stone Lindsay C.
Published: April 2018

While most employers understand the scope of their responsibility to prevent sexual harassment between employees, the scope of an employer's responsibility to prevent sexual harassment by third parties is often less clear. Such third parties may include customers, clients, sales representatives, vendors, investors, or anyone in the workplace who is not a member of the employer's workforce. Although an employer may be unable to easily control non‐employee actions, it is legally obligated to respond to any third‐party sexual harassment of its employees that is brought to the employer's attention. With proper safeguards and remedial action, however, an employer can keep its employees safe from third‐party sexual harassment and protect itself from liability in the process. This Q&A explains employer liability for third‐party sexual harassment, describes the ramifications of an employer's failure to properly address or prevent it, and recommends strategies to reduce an employer's legal exposure.
Field estimate of paleoseismic slip on a normal fault using the Schmidt hammer and terrestrial LiDAR: Methods and application to the Hebgen fault (Montana, USA)
Authors: Tye Alexander , Stahl Timothy
Published: April 2018

The weathering characteristics of bedrock fault scarps provide relative age constraints that can be used to determine fault displacements. Here, we report Schmidt hammer rebound values (R‐values) for a limestone fault scarp that was last exposed in the 1959 Mw 7.3 Hebgen Lake, Montana earthquake. Results show that someR‐value indices, related to the difference between minimum and maximumR‐values in repeated impacts at a point, increase upward along the scarp, which we propose is due to progressive exposure of the scarp in earthquakes. An objective method is developed for fitting slip histories to the Schmidt hammer data and produces the best model fit (using the Bayesian Information Criterion) of three earthquakes with single event displacements of ≥ 1.20 m, 3.75 m, andc. 4.80 m. The same fitting method is also applied to new terrestrial LiDAR data of the scarp, though the LiDAR results may be more influenced by macro‐scale structure of the outcrop than by differential weathering. We suggest the use of this fitting procedure to define single event displacements on other bedrock fault scarps using other dating techniques. Our preliminary findings demonstrate that the Schmidt hammer, combined with other methods, may provide useful constraints on single event displacements on exposed bedrock fault scarps. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transformation-dissolution reactions partially explain adverse effects of metallic silver nanoparticles to soil nitrification in different soils
Authors: Bollyn Jessica , Willaert Bernd , Kerré Bart , Moens Claudia , Arijs Katrien , Mertens Jelle , Leverett Dean , Oorts Koen , Smolders Erik
Published: April 2018

Risk assessment of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is critically affected by the concern that toxicity goes beyond that of the metallic ion. The present study addressed this concern for soils with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the Ag-sensitive nitrification assay. Three agricultural soils (A, B, and C) were spiked with equivalent doses of either AgNP (diameter = 13 nm) or AgNO3. Soil solution was isolated and monitored over 97 d with due attention to accurate Ag fractionation at low (∼10 μg L−1) Ag concentrations. Truly dissolved (<1 kDa) Ag in the AgNO3-amended soils decreased with reaction half-lives of 4 to 22 d depending on the soil, denoting important Ag–aging reactions. In contrast, truly dissolved Ag in AgNP-amended soils first increased by dissolution and subsequently decreased by aging, the concentration never exceeding that in the AgNO3-amended soils. The half-lives of AgNP transformation-dissolution were approximately 4 d (soils A and B) and 36 d (soil C). The Ag toxic thresholds (10% effect concentrations, milligrams of Ag per kilogram of soil) of nitrification, evaluated at 21 or 35 d after spiking, were similar between the 2 Ag forms (soils A and B) but were factors of 3 to 8 lower for AgNO3 than for AgNP (soil C), largely corroborating dissolution differences. This fate and bioassay showed that AgNPs are not more toxic than AgNO3 at equivalent total soil Ag concentrations and that differences in Ag dissolution at least partially explain toxicity differences between the forms and among soils. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2123–2131. © 2018 SETAC
Fronto‐Parietal Subnetworks Flexibility Compensates For Cognitive Decline Due To Mental Fatigue
Authors: Taya Fumihiko , Dimitriadis Stavros I. , Dragomir Andrei , Lim Julian , Sun Yu , Wong Kian Foong , Thakor Nitish V. , Bezerianos Anastasios
Published: April 2018

Fronto‐parietal subnetworks were revealed to compensate for cognitive decline due to mental fatigue by community structure analysis. Here, we investigate changes in topology of subnetworks of resting‐state fMRI networks due to mental fatigue induced by prolonged performance of a cognitively demanding task, and their associations with cognitive decline. As it is well established that brain networks have modular organization, community structure analyses can provide valuable information about mesoscale network organization and serve as a bridge between standard fMRI approaches and brain connectomics that quantify the topology of whole brain networks. We developed inter‐ and intramodule network metrics to quantify topological characteristics of subnetworks, based on our hypothesis that mental fatigue would impact on functional relationships of subnetworks. Functional networks were constructed with wavelet correlation and a data‐driven thresholding scheme based on orthogonal minimum spanning trees, which allowed detection of communities with weak connections. A change from pre‐ to posttask runs was found for the intermodule density between the frontal and the temporal subnetworks. Seven inter‐ or intramodule network metrics, mostly at the frontal or the parietal subnetworks, showed significant predictive power of individual cognitive decline, while the network metrics for the whole network were less effective in the predictions. Our results suggest that the control‐type fronto‐parietal networks have a flexible topological architecture to compensate for declining cognitive ability due to mental fatigue. This community structure analysis provides valuable insight into connectivity dynamics under different cognitive states including mental fatigue.
Cytokine‐Producing B Cells Promote Immune‐Mediated Bile Duct Injury in Murine Biliary Atresia
Authors: Bednarek Joseph , Traxinger Brianna , Brigham Dania , Roach Jonathan , Orlicky David , Wang Dong , Pelanda Roberta , Mack Cara L.
Published: April 2018

Biliary atresia (BA) is a neonatal T cell–mediated, inflammatory, sclerosing cholangiopathy. In the rhesus rotavirus (RRV)–induced neonatal mouse model of BA (murine BA), mice lacking B cells do not develop BA, and the lack of B cells is associated with loss of T‐cell and macrophage activation. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism of B cell–mediated immune activation (antigen presentation versus cytokine production) in murine BA. Normal neonatal B cells in the liver are predominantly at pro‐B and pre‐B cellular development. However, BA mice exhibit a significant increase in the number and activation status of mature liver B cells. Adoptively transferred B cells into RRV‐infected, B cell–deficient mice were able to reinstate T‐cell and macrophage infiltration and biliary injury. Nonetheless, neonatal liver B cells were incompetent at antigen presentation to T cells. Moreover, 3‐83 immunoglobulin transgenic mice, in which B cells only present an irrelevant antigen, developed BA, indicating a B‐cell antigen–independent mechanism. B cells from BA mice produced a variety of innate and adaptive immune cytokines associated with immune activation. In vitro trans‐well studies revealed that BA B cells secreted cytokines that activated T cells based on increased expression of T‐cell activation marker cluster of differentiation 69. Conclusion: Neonatal liver B cells are highly activated in murine BA and contribute to immune activation through production of numerous cytokines involved in innate and adaptive immunity; this work provides increased knowledge on the capacity of neonatal B cells to contribute to an inflammatory disease through cytokine‐mediated mechanisms, and future studies should focus on targeting B cells as a therapeutic intervention in human BA.
Hepatitis B Virus Evasion From Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate–Adenosine Monophosphate Synthase Sensing in Human Hepatocytes
Authors: Verrier Eloi R. , Yim Seung‐Ae , Heydmann Laura , El Saghire Houssein , Bach Charlotte , Turon‐Lagot Vincent , Mailly Laurent , Durand Sarah C. , Lucifora Julie , Durantel David , Pessaux Patrick , Manel Nicolas , Hirsch Ivan , Zeisel Mirjam B. , Pochet Nathalie , Schuster Catherine , Baumert Thomas F.
Published: April 2018

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease and cancer worldwide. The mechanisms of viral genome sensing and the evasion of innate immune responses by HBV infection are still poorly understood. Recently, the cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) was identified as a DNA sensor. In this study, we investigated the functional role of cGAS in sensing HBV infection and elucidate the mechanisms of viral evasion. We performed functional studies including loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function experiments combined with cGAS effector gene expression profiling in an infectious cell culture model, primary human hepatocytes, and HBV‐infected human liver chimeric mice. Here, we show that cGAS is expressed in the human liver, primary human hepatocytes, and human liver chimeric mice. While naked relaxed‐circular HBV DNA is sensed in a cGAS‐dependent manner in hepatoma cell lines and primary human hepatocytes, host cell recognition of viral nucleic acids is abolished during HBV infection, suggesting escape from sensing, likely during packaging of the genome into the viral capsid. While the hepatocyte cGAS pathway is functionally active, as shown by reduction of viral covalently closed circular DNA levels in gain‐of‐function studies, HBV infection suppressed cGAS expression and function in cell culture models and humanized mice. Conclusion: HBV exploits multiple strategies to evade sensing and antiviral activity of cGAS and its effector pathways.
Effects of fin shapes on heat transfer in microchannel heat sinks
Authors: Roy Rahul , Kundu Balaram
Published: April 2018

In the present study, compact water cooling of high‐density, high‐speed, very‐large‐scale integrated (VLSI) circuits with the help of microchannel heat exchangers were investigated analytically. This study also presents the result of mathematical analysis based on the modified Bessel function of laminar fluid flow and heat transfer through combined conduction and convection in a microchannel heat sink with triangular extensions. The main purpose of this paper is to find the dimensions of a heat sink that give the least thermal resistance between the fluid and the heat sink, and the results are compared with that of rectangular fins. It is seen that the triangular heat sink requires less substrate material as compared to rectangular fins, and the heat transfer rate per unit volume has been almost doubled by using triangular heat sinks. It is also found that the effectiveness of the triangular fin is higher than that of the rectangular fin. Therefore, the triangular heat sink has the ability to dissipate large amounts of heat with relatively less temperature rise for the same fin volume. Alternatively, triangular heat sinks may thus be more cost effective to use for cooling ultra‐high speed VLSI circuits than rectangular heat sinks.
Focal Species Candidates for Pesticide Risk Assessment in European Rice Fields: A Review
Authors: Vallon Martin , Dietzen Christian , Laucht Silke , Ludwigs Jan-Dieter
Published: April 2018

An assessment of potential risks of pesticides on wildlife is required during the process of product registration within Europe because of the importance of agricultural landscapes as wildlife habitats. Despite their peculiarity and their specific role as artificial wetlands, rice paddies are to date pooled with cereals in guidance documents on how to conduct risk assessments for birds and mammals in Europe. Hence, the focal species currently considered in risk assessments for rice paddies are those known from cereal fields and can therefore be expected to differ significantly from the species actually occurring in the wet environments of rice paddies. We present results of a comprehensive review on bird and mammal species regularly occurring in rice paddies during a time of potential pesticide exposure to identify appropriate focal species candidates for ecotoxicological pesticide risk assessment according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In addition, we present data on rice cultivation areas and agricultural practices in Europe to give background information supporting the species selection process. Our literature search identified a general scarcity of relevant data, particularly for mammals, which highlights the need for crop-specific focal species studies. However, our results clearly indicate that the relevant bird and mammal species in rice fields indeed differ strongly from the focal species used for the cereal risk assessment. They can thus be used as a baseline for more realistic wildlife risk assessments specific to rice and the development of a revised guidance document to bridge the gap for regulatory decision makers. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:537–551. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points

Despite their peculiarity and their specific role as artificial wetlands, rice paddies are currently pooled with cereals in the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidance document on how to conduct pesticide risk assessments for birds and mammals in Europe. The generic focal species used for risk assessments in rice are not considered realistic because they are chosen based on evaluation of cereal fields, which typically offer very different conditions from the wet environments of rice paddies. An extensive literature search on birds and mammals occurring in European rice fields revealed specific focal species candidates that can be used as baselines for more realistic wildlife risk assessments, while indicating a need for crop-specific focal species studies. The presented data is particularly relevant in light of the planned revision of the EFSA bird and mammal guidance document.
Risk of virus and non‐virus related malignancies following immunosuppression in a cohort of liver transplant recipients. Italy, 1985–2014
Authors: Taborelli Martina , Piselli Pierluca , Ettorre Giuseppe Maria , Lauro Augusto , Galatioto Laura , Baccarani Umberto , Rendina Maria , Shalaby Sarah , Petrara Raffaella , Nudo Francesco , Toti Luca , Sforza Daniele , Fantola Giovanni , Cimaglia Claudia , Agresta Alessandro , Vennarecci Giovanni , Pinna Antonio Daniele , Gruttadauria Salvatore , Risaliti Andrea , Di Leo Alfredo , Burra Patrizia , Rossi Massimo , Tisone Giuseppe , Zamboni Fausto , Serraino Diego ,   for the Italian Transplant & Cancer Cohort Study
Published: April 2018

This cohort study assessed, in Italy, the overall pattern of risk of de novo malignancies following liver transplantation (LT). The study group included 2,832 individuals who underwent LT between 1985 and 2014 in nine centers all over Italy. Person–years (PYs) at cancer risk were computed from 30 days after LT to the date of cancer diagnosis, to the date of death or to the end of follow‐up. Excess cancer risk, as compared to the general population, was estimated using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During 18,642 PYs, 246 LT recipients developed 266 de novo malignancies, corresponding to a 1.8‐fold higher cancer risk (95% CI: 1.6–2.0). SIRs were particularly elevated for virus‐related malignancies, including Kaposi's sarcoma (SIR = 53.6, 95% CI: 30.0–88.5), non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (SIR = 7.1, 95% CI: 4.8–10.1) and cervix uteri (SIR = 5.4, 95% CI: 1.1–15.8). Among virus‐unrelated malignancies, elevated risks emerged for head and neck (SIR = 4.4, 95% CI: 3.1–6.2), esophagus (SIR = 6.7, 95% CI: 2.9–13.3) and adrenal gland (SIR = 22.9, 95% CI: 2.8–82.7). Borderline statistically significant elevated risks were found for lung cancer (SIR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0–2.1) and skin melanoma (SIR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.0–5.3). A reduced risk emerged for prostate cancer (SIR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.0–0.5). These findings underline the need of preventive interventions and early detection of malignancies, specifically tailored to LT recipients.
Annexin A5 Involvement in Bone Overgrowth at the Enthesis
Authors: Shimada Akemi , Ideno Hisashi , Arai Yoshinori , Komatsu Koichiro , Wada Satoshi , Yamashita Teruhito , Amizuka Norio , Pöschl Ernst , Brachvogel Bent , Nakamura Yoshiki , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Mizukami Hiroaki , Ezura Yoichi , Nifuji Akira
Published: April 2018

Little is known about the molecular mechanisms of enthesis formation in mature animals. Here, we report that annexin A5 (Anxa5) plays a critical role in the regulation of bone ridge outgrowth at the entheses. We found that Anxa5 is highly expressed in the entheses of postnatal and adult mice. In Anxa5-deficient (Anxa5–/–) mice, the sizes of bone ridge outgrowths at the entheses of the tibias and femur were increased after age 7 weeks. Bone overgrowth was not observed at the fibrous enthesis where the fibrocartilage layer does not exist. More ALP-expressing cells were observed in the fibrocartilage layer in Anxa5–/– mice than in wild-type (WT) mice. Calcein and Alizarin Red double labeling revealed more mineralized areas in Anxa5–/– mice than WT mice. To examine the effects of mechanical forces, we performed tenotomy in which transmission of contractile forces by the tibial muscle was impaired by surgical muscle release. In tenotomized mice, bone overgrowth at the enthesis in Anxa5–/– mice was decreased to a level comparable to that in WT mice at 8 weeks after the operation. The tail-suspended mice also showed a decrease in bone overgrowth to similar levels in Anxa5–/– and WT mice at 8 weeks after hindlimb unloading. These results suggest that bone overgrowth at the enthesis requires mechanical forces. We further examined effects of Anxa5 gene knockdown (KD) in primary cultures of osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and tenocytes in vitro. Anxa5 KD increased ALP expression in tenocytes and chondrocytes but not in osteoblasts, suggesting that increased ALP activity in the fibrocartilaginous tissue in Anxa5–/– mice is directly caused by Anxa5 deletion in tenocytes or fibrocartilage cells. These data indicate that Anxa5 prevents bone overgrowth at the enthesis, whose formation is mediated through mechanical forces and modulating expression of mineralization regulators. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The effect of CD26‐deficiency on dipeptidyl peptidase 8 and 9 expression profiles in a mouse model of Crohn's disease
Authors: Buljevic Suncica , Detel Dijana , Pugel Ester P. , Varljen Jadranka
Published: April 2018

The involvement of dipeptidyl peptidase (DP) IV/CD26 (DPP IV/CD26) family members in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD), an autoimmune inflammatory condition of the gut, is effected mainly through proteolytic cleavage of immunomodulatory substrates and DPP IV/CD26's costimulatory function. DP8 and DP9 are proteases with diverse functions including cell interactions, apoptosis, and immune response but their localization remains to be clarified. We assessed the impact of DPP IV/CD26 deficiency (CD26−/−) on the expression profiles of DP8 and DP9 by qPCR and immunodetection as well as quantified DP8/9 enzyme activity in distinctive phases of a chemically‐induced CD model in mice. CD26−/− did not affect colon DP8 mRNA expression, while the physiological concentration of DP8 protein is decreased in CD26−/− mice but rises in inflammation (P < 0.05). On the other hand, DP9 mRNA level is significantly increased in CD26−/− mice in inflammation as well as healing with the DP9 concentration being almost twofold increased (P < 0.05) in all experimental points in CD26−/− mice compared to wild‐type indicating the expected up‐regulation in CD26−/− conditions. Surprisingly, dominantly intracellular DP8 and DP9 were found in abundance in serum. DP8/9 activity is decreased in the inflamed colon, whereas its contribution to the overall serum DPP IV/CD26‐like activity is negligible, suggesting the importance of their extra‐enzymatic functions. To summarize, CD induction generated gene, protein and enzymatic changes of DP8 and DP9 so their involvement in inflammation development and/or healing process is implicated, especially in CD26−/−, and the question of their subcellular localization should be revised.
Protein kinase C activator bryostatin‐1 modulates proteasome function
Authors: Khan Tapan K. , Nelson Thomas J.
Published: April 2018

Proteasome activity in ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway plays a pivotal role in degradation and clearance of aggregated, oxidized, damaged, and misfolded unwanted proteins to control protein homeostasis or proteostasis. Proteasome activity decreases with cellular senescence, aging, and age‐related diseases. Therefore, enhancement of impaired proteasome function by molecular biological and/or pharmacological intervention is an active area of research. Bryostatin‐1, a naturally occurring macrocyclic lactone, activates PKC isozymes (specifically, ‐α and ‐ϵ) at sub‐nanomolar concentrations, but downregulates at higher concentrations. Here, we present bryostatin‐1 increased chymotrypsin‐like proteasome activity of 20S assembly at sub‐nanomolar to nanomolar concentrations (0.3‐30 nM). However, proteasome activity decreased at a micromolar concentration of bryostatin‐1 (AG08044 cultured skin: P < 0.005; differentiated SH‐SY5Y cells: P < 0.02). Modulation of proteasome function by bryostatin‐1 was studied in six dermal fibroblast primary cell lines developed both from freshly taken biopsies from healthy donors (n = 2) and obtained from well‐characterized cell repositories (n = 4; without any diseases). Bryostatin‐1 enhanced proteasome activity in cultured skin fibroblasts obtained from banked and freshly isolated skin fibroblasts from skin biopsies at the sub‐nanomolar concentration (P < 0.015). Modulation of proteasome function by bryostatin‐1 was confirmed in neuron‐like differentiated SH‐SY5Y cells. Direct additions of bryostatin‐1 into cell lysates prepared from neuron‐like differentiated SH‐SY5Y, Jurkat cells, and cultured skin fibroblasts were unable to increase proteasome activity indicating that bryostatin‐1 can only modulate proteasome activity when added to live cell culture systems. Standard PKC inhibitors blocked bryostatin‐1 induced proteasome activity modulation suggesting that enhancement of proteasome activity was mediated by PKC modulation.