bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression and function of dopamine in odontoblasts
Authors: Fujino Shoko , Hamano Sayuri , Tomokiyo Atsushi , Itoyama Tomohiro , Hasegawa Daigaku , Sugii Hideki , Yoshida Shinichiro , Washio Ayako , Nozu Aoi , Ono Taiga , Wada Naohisa , Kitamura Chiaki , Maeda Hidefumi
Published: October 2019

Dopamine (DA) is produced from tyrosine by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). A recent study has reported that DA promotes the mineralization of murine preosteoblasts. However, the role of DA in odontoblasts has not been examined. Therefore, in this investigation, we researched the expression of TH and DA in odontoblasts and the effects of DA on the differentiation of preodontoblasts (KN‐3 cells). Immunostaining showed that TH and DA were intensely expressed in odontoblasts and preodontoblasts of rat incisors and molars. KN‐3 cells expressed D1‐like and D2‐like receptors for DA. Furthermore, DA promoted odontoblastic differentiation of KN‐3 cells, whereas an antagonist of D1‐like receptors and a PKA signaling blocker, inhibited such differentiation. However, antagonists of D2‐like receptors promoted differentiation. These results suggested that DA in preodontoblasts and odontoblasts might promote odontoblastic differentiation through D1‐like receptors, but not D2‐like receptors, and PKA signaling in an autocrine or paracrine manner and plays roles in dentinogenesis.
c‐Fos separation from Lamin A/C by GDF15 promotes colon cancer invasion and metastasis in inflammatory microenvironment
Authors: Ding Youxiang , Hao Kun , Li Zhaohe , Ma Rong , Zhou You , Zhou Zhou , Wei Mian , Liao Yan , Dai Yao , Yang Yue , Zhang Xiaobo , Zhao Li
Published: October 2019

Inflammatory microenvironment is an important factor for promoting cancer invasion and metastasis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we mimicked an inflammatory microenvironment both in vitro and in vivo and investigated its effects on the invasion and metastasis of colon cancer. Moreover, colon cancer patient samples were also analyzed statistically. Conditioned medium from the differentiated macrophages induced invasion and migration of colon cancer cells in vitro, which could be reversed by the treatment of a neutralizing anti‐growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) antibody, indicating GDF15 involvement in inflammation‐induced invasiveness. Also, we observed similar effects of human recombinant GDF15 on colon cancer cells. Mechanistically, GDF15 activated c‐Fos by separating it from Lamin A/C, increasing transcriptional activity of c‐Fos and regulating EMT gene expressions. However, c‐Fos knockdown using lentivirus shRNA plasmid inhibited GDF15‐triggered invasion and migration in vitro. In vivo, inflammation caused by lipopolysaccharides obviously increased GDF15 secretion, and c‐Fos knockdown reduced the lung metastasis of colon cancer cells in mice model. In addition, c‐Fos expressions in patient samples were found to be associated with colon cancer metastasis and TNM stages. Taken together, GDF15 in inflammatory microenvironment induces colon cancer invasion and metastasis by regulating EMT genes by activating c‐Fos, which might be a potential therapeutic target for metastatic colon cancer.
Production of biodiesel from safflower plant cultivated using membrane bioreactor (MBR) effluent discharged from wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Jalilnejad Falizi Nasim , Güngören Madenoğlu Tülay , Kukul Kurttaş Yasemin , Meriç Kamil , Gürgülü Hatice , Özçakal Emrah , Cengiz Üremek Nihal , Ballice Levent , Yüksel Mithat , Sağlam Mehmet , Kabay Nalan
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Increased water demand caused by population growth has forced the reuse of wastewater after treatment. Safflower is a salt‐tolerant plant that can be irrigated with moderately saline water. Cultivation of safflower plant can be achieved by irrigation with membrane bioreactor (MBR)‐treated wastewater and further utilized in oil and then biodiesel production according to standard (TS EN 14214). Irrigation water quality can impact oil and biodiesel yield and content.

RESULTS

In this study, safflower plants were cultivated using different irrigation strategies in a field next to a wastewater treatment plant in Menderes‐Izmir, Turkey. These strategies were: irrigation weekly with MBR‐treated wastewater or with tap water; with MBR‐treated wastewater just three times during phenological periods; and without irrigation. Oil yields for seeds of the plants irrigated by these strategies were 103.8, 98.7, 63.7 and 57.4 (kg oil daa−1), respectively. Oil yield was found to be highest following weekly irrigation with MBR‐treated wastewater that has a high salinity of 4 mS cm−1. Safflower oil methyl ester (SOME) contents of biodiesel were 94.6 and 94.5% (g SOME:g biodiesel), and ester yields of biodiesel were 71.3 and 81.4% (g biodiesel:g oil–1) for safflower irrigated weekly with MBR‐treated wastewater and tap water, respectively.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that SOME yields and contents of safflowers irrigated with MBR‐treated wastewater and tap water weekly are so close. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Active chemical fractions with high fungistatic activity of humic‐like substances obtained via different extraction solvents
Authors: Wei Shiping , Wu Meng , Li Guilong , Li Pengfa , Qiu Cunpu , Jiang Chunyu , Liu Ming , Li Zhongpei
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Humic‐like substances (HULIS) for use in controlling soil‐borne diseases have been a research focus, but obtaining HULIS with high fungistatic activity via different extraction solvents has been challenging. In this work, three solvents were selected to extract HULIS from weathered coal. Inhibition rates against phytopathogens were used to evaluate the fungistatic activities of HULIS. Element contents (C, N, S, and O) and carbon‐13‐cross polarization magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C‐CP‐MAS NMR) spectra were used to evaluate the chemical composition. The relationships between the chemical compositions and fungistatic activities were assessed by redundancy analysis (RDA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR).

RESULTS

The results showed that HULIS extracted with different solvents varied in the element contents, organic carbon structures and fungistatic activities. HULIS extracted with potassium hydroxide–ethanol had the highest content of C, the lowest contents of N and O, and the highest fungistatic activities (up to 71.86%). Consistent results through RDA and PLSR shows that C and S had positive effects on the fungistatic activity, while N and O had negative effects. Aliphatic C in HULIS had positive effects on the fungistatic activity, while the aromatic fraction and anomeric C had negative effects.

CONCLUSION

In summary, different solvents extracted different fractions from weather coal. Mixed solvents with organic and inorganic solvents were more beneficial for extracting active fractions with higher fungistatic activity of HULIS from weather coal. The results of this work provide a good theoretical basis for the application of HULIS extracted from weathered coal. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Jeffamine® ED‐600: a polyether amine donor for enzymatic transamination in organic solvent/solvent‐free medium with membrane‐assisted product extraction
Authors: Matassa Claudia , Romani Alessandra , Ormerod Dominic , Bornscheuer Uwe T , Höhne Matthias , Satyawali Yamini
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Amine transaminases have been extensively used for synthesizing various pharmaceutically relevant compounds, mainly in aqueous media. However, their applications are often limited by poor substrate solubility, low productivity and difficult product separation. This paper reports the use of Jeffamine® ED‐600, a novel polyether amine donor, for the transaminase‐catalyzed synthesis of 4‐phenyl‐2‐butylamine in non‐aqueous media.

RESULTS

Enzymatic transamination was performed in the presence of a non‐polar organic solvent (n‐heptane), in which the selected amine donor is not soluble, thus a two‐liquid‐phase system was achieved. Coupling the reaction system with membrane‐assisted extraction resulted in simultaneous recovery of product, without any consistent contamination of the unreacted substrates. Moreover, a product yield of 60% was reached, compared with 15% without product extraction. The reaction was also successfully conducted without addition of any organic solvent, thus providing the first example of a solvent‐free transamination system. In the presence of only enzyme and substrates, up to 6‐fold higher product concentrations were achieved compared with the reaction performed in organic solvent.

CONCLUSION

The use of the Jeffamine® ED‐600 in non‐aqueous media resulted beneficial for 4‐phenyl‐2‐butylamine synthesis. Enzymatic transamination in organic solvent with membrane‐assisted product extraction enabled shifting of the equilibrium and selective product extraction. Solvent‐free transamination minimized the required volume of the reactor and minimized the environmental impact. Extension to other substrate/enzyme solvent‐free systems could open new possibilities and perspectives in transaminase‐catalyzed chiral amine synthesis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of simultaneous autotrophic–heterotrophic denitrification with high removal of nitrogen, sulfur and carbon: optimization through response surface methodology
Authors: Peirano Clio , Guerrero Lorna , Barahona Andrea , Montalvo Silvio , Huiliñir Cesar , Da Silva Cristopher , Borja Rafael
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Some liquid industrial wastes are rich in sulfur (S), nitrogen (N) and organic matter, causing eutrophication of lakes and rivers. These wastes also are highly toxic to aquatic organisms and pose serious health problems. Biological N removal is performed by denitrification. Heterotrophic denitrifiers oxidize organic matter to CO2 gas and reduce nitrate (NO3−) to N2 gas, whereas autotrophic denitrifiers oxidize reduced S compounds by reducing nitrate. Thus, a simultaneous denitrification process will allow for the removal of all these elements.

RESULTS

A response surface methodology (RSM) was used to analyze the effects of the ratios heterotrophic:autotrophic bacteria (H:A, 0.2–1.9), the molar Ac−(Acetate):NO3− (0.2–1.05) and thiosulfate (S2O32−):NO3− (0.15–1.1) on the denitrification process. The highest concentrations of sulfate were obtained with H:A = 0.2; Ac−: NO3− = 1.05 and S2O32−:NO3− = 0.91.

CONCLUSION

High NO3− (average 95.0 ± 3.3%) removals were obtained in all experiments, the optimal values predicted by the RSM were obtained at H:A = 0.54, Ac−:NO3− = 1.05 and S2O32−:NO3− = 0.41. When analyzing the removal of Ac−, the recommended optimal operating values were: Ac−:NO3− = 1.05; H:A = 0.37 and S2O32−:NO3− = 0.8–0.9. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Correlation between increased postpubertal phallic growth and the initiation of cranial sexual dimorphisms in male Morelet's crocodile
Authors: Moore Brandon C. , Holliday Casey M. , McMurry Scott T. , Platt Steven G. , Rainwater Thomas R.
Published: October 2019

While puberty is an animal commonality, little is known of its timing or process in crocodylians. Males copulate with an intromittent phallus that has a distinct glans morphology which directly interacts with the female cloaca, putatively effecting effective semen transfer and ultimately increased fecundity. Here we present, during the Morelet's crocodile lifecycle, a well‐defined body length (65 cm snout‐vent length) inflection point that marks a subsequent increase of phallic glans growth rates. Putatively, this postpubescent growth produces a copulatory‐effective phallus. While not as robust of a trend as snout‐vent length, this growth inflection concomitantly begins with a body condition index (CI = BM/SVL3) between 2.0 and 2.5 and is most distinct above a CI of 2.5. Also, in males, this 65 cm size threshold also aligns with the initiation of more robust growth in caniniform alveoli associated with prominent maxillary and mandibular teeth. This inflection was not observed in females, thus marking a sexual dimorphism that begins to present with the onset of puberty. This bodily manifestation of puberty other than those changes observed in the reproductive tracts is a novel observation for crocodylians and lays a foundation for further study among species of how changing endocrine signaling within sexually maturing males may also influence a broader range of secondary sex characteristics.
Effects of temperature and meal size on the postprandial metabolic response of Leptodactylus latrans (Anura, Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Timpone Luá T. , Gavira Rodrigo S. B. , Andrade Denis V.
Published: October 2019

The postprandial increment of metabolism, often referred to as specific dynamic action (SDA), encompasses the summed costs of meal ingestion, digestion, absorption, and assimilation. Different SDA parameters, such as its magnitude, duration, and relative cost, are affected by a diverse set of environmental and physiological determinants, including meal size and body temperature. While the influence of these variables has been thoroughly examined in most ectothermic vertebrate groups, few studies have focused on the determinants and consequences of the SDA response in anuran amphibians. Thus, we examined the effects of meal size and body temperature on the SDA response of a Neotropical frog, Leptodactylus latrans, by measuring the rates of oxygen consumption of frogs while fasting and after being fed meals of different sizes at different temperatures. SDA lasted from 3 to 5 days and increased with meal size for frogs fed meals equivalent to 5–15% of their body mass. SDA cost was not affected by meal size and averaged 14.6% of the caloric content of the meal. Temperature increment was accompanied by proportional increases in metabolic rate and shorter SDA duration. The relative SDA cost averaged 14.8% of the meal caloric content at 20°C and 25°C, but increased to 23.5% at 30°C. Our results indicate that meal size imposes no physiological or energetic constraint to L. latrans feeding. Digestion at temperatures near the thermal preference of the species seems to optimize energetic return, whereas the shortening of SDA duration at higher temperatures may provide significant ecological advantages.
Motives for choosing, switching and stopping daily or event‐driven pre‐exposure prophylaxis – a qualitative analysis
Authors: Zimmermann Hanne ML , Eekman Sanne W , Achterbergh Roel CA , Schim van der Loeff Maarten F , Prins Maria , de Vries Henry JC , Hoornenborg Elske , Davidovich Udi ,   On behalf of the Amsterdam PrEP Project team in the HIV Transmission Elimination AMsterdam Consortium (H‐TEAM)
Published: October 2019

Introduction

In settings where both daily and event‐driven pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are offered to men who have sex with men (MSM), a clear understanding of the motives to choose between the different dosing‐regimens can facilitate more effective PrEP implementation. We therefore studied the motives for choosing for, switching between, and stopping daily or event‐driven PrEP.

Methods

We used data (August 2015‐June 2017) from the prospective, longitudinal, open‐label Amsterdam PrEP demonstration study, in which daily (dPrEP) and event‐driven PrEP (edPrEP) were offered to 374 HIV‐negative MSM and two transgender persons. Participants self‐selected the preferred PrEP‐regimen at baseline and could switch regimens at three‐monthly follow‐up visits. We measured motives for choosing PrEP‐regimen at baseline and for switching and stopping PrEP at follow‐up visits. Open‐ and closed‐end items were combined and qualitatively analysed.

Results

Choices of PrEP‐regimens were determined by personal and contextual factors, involving the perceived self‐efficacy concerning adherence, the risk‐context, and the anticipated impact of PrEP on physical and sexual wellbeing. dPrEP was preferred because of the anticipated better adherence and the fear of side‐effects relating to edPrEP re‐initiations. Moreover, dPrEP was perceived to be more effective than edPrEP. Motives to choose edPrEP were the expected physical burden of dPrEP, anticipated side‐effects of dPrEP, and fear to forget daily doses. Regarding the risk‐context: dPrEP was preferred for unplanned and/or frequent sex, while edPrEP was chosen when risk was predictable and/or less frequent. While some chose for dPrEP to gain more sexual freedom, others chose for edPrEP to minimize sexual risk episodes. Changes in the above factors, such as changing risk patterns, changing relationships or changing physical conditions, resulted in switching regimens. Choices to stop PrEP were related to lower sexual risk, adherence issues and side‐effects.

Conclusions

The great diversity of motives illustrates the importance of offering a choice of PrEP‐regimens. In counselling of MSM starting PrEP, choices for PrEP‐regimens may be addressed as a continuum of flexible and changeable options over time. This may help individuals choose the PrEP‐regimen that best fits their current sexual context, priorities and personal capabilities and therefore will be more easily adhered to.
Extracting Voxel‐Based Cartilage Relaxometry Features in Hip Osteoarthritis Subjects Using Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Liao Tzu‐Chieh , Pedoia Valentina , Neumann Jan , Link Thomas M. , Souza Richard B. , Majumdar Sharmila
Published: October 2019

Background

MRI‐based relaxation time measurements provide quantitative assessment of cartilage biochemistry. Identifying distinctive relaxometry features in hip osteoarthritis (OA) might provide important information on regional disease variability.

Purpose

First, to incorporate fully automatic voxel‐based relaxometry (VBR) with principal component analysis (PCA) to extract distinctive relaxometry features in subjects with radiographic hip OA and nondiseased controls. Second, to use the identified features to further distinguish subjects with cartilage compositional abnormalities.

Study Type

Cross‐sectional.

Subjects

Thirty‐three subjects with radiographic hip OA (20 males; age, 50.2 ± 13.3 years) and 55 controls participated (28 males; 41.3 ± 12.0 years).

Sequence

A 3.0T scanner using 3D SPGR, combined T1ρ/T2, and fast spin echo sequences.

Assessment

Pelvic radiographs, patients' self‐reported symptoms, physical function, and cartilage morphology were analyzed. Cartilage relaxation times were quantified using traditional regions of interest and VBR approaches. PCA was performed on VBR data to identify distinctive relaxometry features, and were subsequently used to identify a subgroup of subjects from the controls that exhibited compositional abnormalities.

Statistical Tests

Chi‐square and independent t‐tests were used to compare group characteristics. Logistic regression models were used to identify the possible principal components (PCs) that were able to predict OA vs. control classification.

Results

In T1ρ assessment, OA subjects demonstrated higher T1ρ values in the posterior hip region and deep cartilage layer when compared with controls (P = 0.012 and 0.001, respectively). In T2 assessment, OA subjects exhibited higher T2 values in the posterior hip region (P < 0.001). Based on the PC score classification, 16 subjects without radiographic evidence of OA demonstrated relaxometry patterns similar to OA subjects, and exhibited worse physical function (P = 0.003) and cartilage lesions (P = 0.009–0.032) when compared with the remaining controls.

Data Conclusion

The study identified distinctive cartilage relaxometry features that were able to discriminate subjects with and without radiographic hip OA effectively.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1708–1719.
Which academic search systems are suitable for systematic reviews or meta‐analyses? Evaluating retrieval qualities of Google Scholar, PubMed, and 26 other resources
Authors: Gusenbauer Michael , Haddaway Neal R.
Published: October 2019

Rigorous evidence identification is essential for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (evidence syntheses) because the sample selection of relevant studies determines a review's outcome, validity, and explanatory power. Yet, the search systems allowing access to this evidence provide varying levels of precision, recall, and reproducibility and also demand different levels of effort. To date, it remains unclear which search systems are most appropriate for evidence synthesis and why. Advice on which search engines and bibliographic databases to choose for systematic searches is limited and lacking systematic, empirical performance assessments. This study investigates and compares the systematic search qualities of 28 widely used academic search systems, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. A novel, query‐based method tests how well users are able to interact and retrieve records with each system. The study is the first to show the extent to which search systems can effectively and efficiently perform (Boolean) searches with regards to precision, recall, and reproducibility. We found substantial differences in the performance of search systems, meaning that their usability in systematic searches varies. Indeed, only half of the search systems analyzed and only a few Open Access databases can be recommended for evidence syntheses without adding substantial caveats. Particularly, our findings demonstrate why Google Scholar is inappropriate as principal search system. We call for database owners to recognize the requirements of evidence synthesis and for academic journals to reassess quality requirements for systematic reviews. Our findings aim to support researchers in conducting better searches for better evidence synthesis.
Showing their mettle: extraradical mycelia of arbuscular mycorrhizae form a metal filter to improve host Al tolerance and P nutrition
Authors: Seguel Alex , Meier Felix , Azcón Rosario , Valentine Alex , Meriño‐Gergichevich Cristian , Cornejo Pablo , Aguilera Paula , Borie Fernando
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

New evidence has shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can contribute to the aluminum (Al3+) tolerance of host plants growing in acidic soils with phytotoxic levels of Al3+. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of AM fungi isolated from naturally occurring Al3+ acidic soils in conferring host tolerance to Al3+ toxicity in three wheat cultivars differing in Al3+ sensitivity. The experiment was conducted in a soilless substrate (vermiculite/perlite, 2:1 v/v) using two Al3+‐tolerant wheat genotypes and one Al3+‐sensitive wheat genotype. The wheat was colonized with a consortium of AM fungi isolated from an Andisol, with or without Al3+ at a concentration of 200 μmol L−1.

RESULTS

The response of wheat to Al3+ in the medium was dependent on both the plant genotype and AM colonization. The benefits of the AM fungi to the wheat cultivars included an increased P concentration and relatively low Al3+ accumulation in the plants. This was achieved through two mechanisms. First, the metal‐chelating capacity of the AM fungi was clear in two of the cultivars (‘Tukan’ and ‘Porfiado’), in which the enhanced extraradical mycelium development was able to retain Al3+ in the glomalin and hyphae. Second, the increased AM‐induced acid phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere of the other cultivar (‘Atlas 66’) increased host nutrition possibly by hyphae‐mediated nutrient uptake and glomalin‐related soil protein.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the role of AM fungi in cultivar‐specific Al3+ detoxification can be achieved by increased extraradical mycelial filters and enhanced bioavailability of P in the host rhizosphere. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A comprehensive study of erosivity and soil erosion over a small tropical islet: Round Island, Mauritius
Authors: Hedding David William , Calvert Darren Rhett , Tatayah Vikash , Cole Nik , Ruhomaun Kevin , Khadun Ashok , Sumner Paul Douglas , Nel Werner
Published: October 2019

Round Island, a small (219‐ha) volcanic island 22.5 km north of Mauritius, has steep slopes and thin soils. This small tropical island was previously subjected to overgrazing by goats and rabbits, which detrimentally affected ecosystem functioning. Classified as a nature reserve since 1957, Round Island houses the last remnant of palm savannah that has been lost on mainland Mauritius and is a refuge to several endemic and endangered species. Landscape restoration and ecosystem functioning on Round Island are key conservation objectives, but soil erosion remains a significant hindrance to habitat restoration and ecosystem functioning. Here, we investigate soil erosion on Round Island and assess the implications for conservation and management. Sediment movement was monitored monthly (2015–2018) at seven soil erosion plots coupled with rainfall and erosivity measurements. A mean annual sediment movement rate of 0.2136 t ha−1 yr −1 is calculated. Although this rate of sediment movement is low for humid tropical regions, the barren landscape and low contemporary rates of soil erosion suggest that most of the erodible soil has already been eroded. Interrill erosion of the shallow soils and friable parent material is closely correlated with rainfall erosivity and exacerbated by limited vegetation cover. Continued revegetation is recommended to retard soil erosion and restore ecosystem functioning. The paper also emphasises that rainstorms are the greatest single phenomena affecting earth surface processes on and around the island of Mauritius. As such, long‐term monitoring of the interaction between the surface and climate is required to provide insights for conservation management.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals in urban environments: Concentrations and joint risks in surface soils with diverse land uses
Authors: Wang Chunhui , Wang Junxiao , Zhou Shenglu , Tang Junhong , Jia Zhenyi , Ge Liang , Li Yan , Wu Shaohua
Published: October 2019

Although polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs) are abundant around cities, few researchers have studied the complex concentrations and joint risks of these pollutants in urban surface soils containing diverse land uses. We collected 69 urban surface soil samples from roadside districts, green belts, public green space, commercial districts, and residential district in urban areas of Nanjing, China to determine the concentrations, distributions, deposition patterns, and joint risks of PAH and HM contaminants. No significant differences were found among the five studied land uses, but a wide range of PAH levels were found in these land uses, as these diverse land uses have similar PAH pollution sources. As these areas persistently generate high PAH levels by gasoline/diesel engine or coal combustion, the PAH distribution characteristics indicated that commercial centers or city centers are the most heavily contaminated sites. The distributions of black carbon and HMs, except for Pb, were found to be significantly correlated. Except for Cd and As, HM levels among diverse land uses also showed no significant differences, possibly stemming from the non‐point source pollution of these metals in the study areas. Factor analysis showed that 46.2% of the elevated pollutant concentrations resulted from combustion processes, 24.3% were caused by natural background fluctuations, and 11.9% resulted from non‐combustion processes. The studied PAHs and As presented low carcinogenic risks. Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn depicted acceptable total non‐carcinogenic risks in all land uses; however, the risks associated with these HMs possessed detailed differences.
Outcome of Liver Transplant Patients With Preformed Donor‐Specific Anti–Human Leukocyte Antigen Antibodies
Authors: Del Bello Arnaud , Neau‐Cransac Martine , Lavayssiere Laurence , Dubois Valérie , Congy‐Jolivet Nicolas , Visentin Jonathan , Danjoux Marie , Le Bail Brigitte , Hervieu Valérie , Boillot Olivier , Antonini Teresa , Kamar Nassim , Dumortier Jérôme
Published: October 2019

After liver transplantation (LT), the role of preformed donor‐specific anti–human leukocyte antigen antibodies (pDSAs) remains incompletely understood. We conducted a retrospective, case‐control analysis to determine the impact of pDSAs after LT in 3 French transplant centers (Bordeaux, Lyon, and Toulouse). Among the 1788 LTs performed during the study period, 142 (7.9%) had at least 1 pDSA. The patient survival rate was not different between patients who received an LT with pDSAs and the matched‐control group. A liver biopsy was performed 1 year after transplantation in 87 recipients. The metavir fibrosis score did not differ between both groups (1 ± 0.8 versus 0 ± 0.8; P = 0.80). However, undergoing a retransplantation (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02‐6.77; P = 0.05) and receiving induction therapy with polyclonal antibodies (HR = 2.5; 95% CI, 1.33‐4.74; P = 0.01) were associated with a higher risk of mortality. Nonetheless, high mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) donor‐specific antibodies (ie, >10,000 with One Lambda assay or >5000 with Immucor assay) were associated with an increased risk of acute rejection (HR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.12‐3.49; P = 0.02). Acute antibody‐mediated rejection was diagnosed in 10 patients: 8 recipients were alive 34 (1‐125) months after rejection. The use of polyclonal antibodies or rituximab as an induction therapy did not reduce the risk of acute rejection, but it increased the risk of infectious complications. In conclusion, high MFI pDSAs increase the risk of graft rejection after LT, but they do not reduce medium‐term and longterm patient survival. The use of a T or B cell–depleting agent did not reduce the risk of acute rejection.
Solvent‐Vapor Annealing of Amphiphile/Metal Interface for Orientated Molecular Stacking and Upgraded Resistive Memory Performance
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Li Hua , Li Zhuang , Li Yang , Zhang Qi‐jian , Lu Jian‐mei
Published: October 2019

It is discovered that the molecular packing and the orientation of crystallite arrangement in the film state are critical to the performance of the typical sandwich organic‐based memory devices (OMDs). Here, a solvent‐vapor annealing (SVA) strategy is firstly developed for amphipathic molecules to regulate the film morphology and intermolecular stacking, so as to obtain the satisfied performance. Through the screening of SVA solvents, an evidently upgraded nonvolatile memory behavior based on MeOH‐annealed film with superior reproducibility, a low switching voltage of −2.3 V and high ON/OFF ratio of 104 are observed. This work not only gives a fresh application of the amphipathic materials to OMDs, but really provides a general guiding significance for SVA solvent selection to achieve controllable crystallite orientation and effective OMDs performance.
Sustainable Galactarate‐Based Polymers: Multi‐Enzymatic Production of Pectin‐Derived Polyesters
Authors: Vastano Marco , Pellis Alessandro , Botelho Machado Carla , Simister Rachael , McQueen‐Mason Simon J. , Farmer Thomas J. , Gomez Leonardo D.
Published: October 2019

Large amounts of agricultural wastes are rich in pectins that, in many cases, disrupt the processing of food residues due to gelation. Despite pectins being a promising sustainable feedstock for bio‐based chemical production, the current pathways to produce platform molecules from this polysaccharide are hazardous and entail the use of strong acids. The present work describes a sequence of biocatalyzed reactions that involves 1) the extraction of pectin from sugar beet pulp and enzymatic recovery of galacturonic acid (GalA), followed by 2) the enzymatic oxidation of the GalA aldehyde and the recovery of galactaric acid (GA), and 3) the biocatalyzed polycondensation of GA to obtain fully bio‐based polyesters carrying lateral hydroxy functionalities. The acid‐free pectin extraction is optimized using enzymes and microwave technology. The conditions for enzymatic oxidation of GalA allow the separation of the GA produced by a simple centrifugation step that leads to the enzyme‐catalyzed polycondensation reactions.
Correction model for rainfall forecasts using the LSTM with multiple meteorological factors
Authors: Zhang Chang‐Jiang , Zeng Jing , Wang Hui‐Yuan , Ma Lei‐Ming , Chu Hai
Published: October 2019

The goal of this study was to improve the accuracy of model forecasting, such that forecasters could use model products to make more efficient daily weather predictions. Historical data of the 12 hr following a given time for various meteorological factors from the control forecasts of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) between 20 ° and 40 ° N latitude and 110 °–130 ° E longitude were used to verify the performance of the proposed method. Eight major meteorological factors were selected via correlation analysis between control forecast meteorological factors and real‐time rainfall. The samples were divided into four types using the K‐means clustered method. Each type was respectively modelled by long short‐term memory (LSTM) in order to correct rainfall forecasts for eastern China. The eight major meteorological factors were used as the model input, and the differences between real‐time rainfall data and model‐forecast rainfall were used as the model output. The corrected results revealed that the root mean square error decreased by 0.65, and the threat scores of light rainfall and rainstorms were improved.
Production of Polymer Particles Loaded with Corrosion Inhibitor for Applications in Oil Wells
Authors: de S. Miranda Letícia , Nele Márcio , Pinto José Carlos
Published: October 2019

During petroleum exploration, the use of corrosion inhibitors is necessary to reduce equipment maintenance costs, to guarantee the operation safety, and to make process operation more robust. For this reason, the present manuscript investigates the production of polymer particles loaded with a commercial corrosion inhibitor intended for controlled release applications in oil wells. The process comprises two steps: the first step regards the water‐in‐oil (W/O) heterogeneous styrene polymerization, while the second step involves the water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W/O/W) styrene polymerization, prepared through dispersion of the W/O emulsion obtained in the first step in an aqueous medium. The results reveal that the morphologies of the produced particles are significantly affected by the analyzed process operation variables, such as reaction time, temperature, and feed ratios. Particularly, the duration of the first reaction step strongly influences the obtained particle size distributions and the encapsulation efficiencies. Finally, it is shown that the encapsulated inhibitor is released slowly in aqueous saline media.
Validation of the Chinese Non‐pharmacological Therapy Experience Scale in persons with intellectual disability
Authors: Ho Lily Yuen Wah , Chin Kenny Chi Wing , Fung Connie Yuen Yee , Lai Claudia Kam Yuk
Published: October 2019

Aim

To validate the 4‐ and 7‐point Chinese Non‐pharmacological Therapy Experience Scales and test the psychometric properties of the scales on persons with intellectual disability.

Design

A validation study.

Methods

Sixty‐seven persons with intellectual disability were recruited from six hostels or centres for persons with intellectual disability in Hong Kong. A total of 1,163 and 1,161 observations were collected by the trained observers with the 4‐point and 7‐point scales, respectively. The floor and ceiling effects, inter‐rater reliability, internal consistency, responsiveness of both scales and the scale equivalence were examined.

Results

The Cronbach's α of the 4‐ and 7‐point scales was .762 and .797, respectively. The correlation between the two scales was 0.906. The inter‐rater reliability of the 4‐ and 7‐point scales was 0.774 and 0.835, respectively. Neither scale had the floor or ceiling effects. The effect size of the 7‐point scale was consistently higher than that of the 4‐point scale.
Analysis of factors that influence neurosurgical length of hospital stay among newly diagnosed pediatric brain tumor patients
Authors: Hasan Muhammad , Diep Dion , Manoranjan Branavan , Maharaj Arjuna , Chaudhry Sabrina , Shaheen Saqib , Farrokhyar Forough , Fleming Adam J. , Ajani Olufemi , Singh Sheila K. , Yarascavitch Blake
Published: October 2019

Background

Postoperative length of stay (LOS) carries a high burden of healthcare costs. In resource‐intense specialties such as neurosurgery, it is imperative to identify factors that influence LOS to improve care. The current study investigates the potential for variables that affect clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and postoperative complications to impact overall LOS in pediatric brain tumor patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study design was used with patients enrolled in the McMaster Pediatric Brain Tumor Study Group database. All patients up to 18 years of age, presenting with a newly diagnosed brain tumor admitted to and discharged from neurosurgery, were included. Patients were sorted into three cohorts: short LOS (≤3 days), extended LOS (≥20 days), and control LOS (4‐19 days).

Results

Of the 124 patients included, 20 (65% male; median age: 9.1 years; range, 0.8‐17.4 years) were considered short LOS, 28 (61% male; median age: 4.7 years; range, 0.4‐14.7 years) were considered extended LOS, and 76 (57% male; median age: 8.5 years; range, 0.3–17.9 years) were considered control LOS. Variables that prolonged LOS were emesis at presentation (P < 0.001), developmental delay (P = 0.02), multiple surgeries (P = 0.004), tumor location (P < 0.05), subtotal resection (P = 0.02), feeding tube (P < 0.001), adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (P < 0.001), and posterior fossa syndrome (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

This study identifies variables related to clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and postoperative complications associated with extended LOS. These findings uncover novel predictors of LOS that can be used to guide future research and improve health resource management.
Occupational attainment and depressive symptoms in young adulthood
Authors: Ueno Koji , Krause Alexandra
Published: October 2019

Past studies have shown that various aspects of occupational attainment (unemployment, job instability, low occupational status, and low earnings) are associated with poor mental health, but each of these studies focused on one or two aspects of occupational attainment. Consequently, it remains unclear whether their associations are independent of each other. Further, little is known about whether negative self‐assessments of occupational attainment are linked to poor mental health. We sought to overcome these limitations of past research while focusing on depressive symptoms as a mental health outcome and young adulthood as a life stage context. The study analysed U.S. data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (n = 13,178) using ordinary least square models. The analysis showed that all aspects of occupational attainment were associated with depressive symptoms in the expected directions. Further, unemployment, job instability, and negative self‐assessment of career progress showed stronger associations, and those associations were independent of other occupational attainment variables. Overall, the results suggested that understanding the association between occupational attainment and mental health requires close attention to the life stage context.
Numerical thermofluid simulation of high current air arcs at fault point contaminated with metal vapor from evaporation of metal electrode in open air
Authors: Takeshima Toru , Tanaka Yasunori , Uesugi Yoshihiko , Ishijima Tatsuo
Published: October 2019

A numerical simulation was conducted to simulate behavior of an arc discharge in open air contaminated with metallic vapor for kA‐class high current. This simulation is concerned with a fundamental study on an arc discharge in a high‐energy arcing fault (HEAF), which can be found occasionally in electric equipment inside nuclear power plants. To understand phenomena in HEAF, it is useful to study air arc behavior at high fault currents, considering metallic vapor contamination from the metallic electrodes because the fault arcs often form in air between metallic parts in electric equipment. In this model, metal electrode evaporation and metal vapor contamination of the arcs were taken into account. Using this model, the temperature, pressure rise, and heat flux in arc plasmas established between Fe electrodes were calculated for ac currents of 3, 5, and 7 kApeak in open air. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dual‐rate control system extension using the null space of a closed‐loop system
Authors: Yasui Ryota , Kawaguchi Natsuki , Sato Takao , Araki Nozomu , Konishi Yasuo
Published: October 2019

The present paper discusses a design method for a single‐input single‐output linear time‐invariant dual‐rate sampled‐data control system, where the sampling interval of a plant output is longer than the holding interval of a control input. In such a control system, intersample output oscillation, called ripple, can occur even if the sampled output converges to the reference input. In order to resolve this problem, two design methods have been proposed such that the existing sampled output response is maintained: an open‐loop system design method and a closed‐loop system design method. However, the open‐loop design method cannot be applied to systems for which the gain matrix of the control input is full rank. On the other hand, the closed‐loop design method can be used for such systems, but the sampled output response is maintained only in the steady state. The present study proposes a new closed‐loop design method in which ripples are eliminated and both the transient and steady‐state responses are maintained. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through numerical examples. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Network analysis of kampo formulas based on crude drug composition and indications
Authors: Oku Makito
Published: October 2019

Aim

Many kampo formulas have been developed by combining crude drugs in various ways, providing diverse medicinal effects. Similarity between kampo formulas is usually determined based on their compositions and medicinal effects, but the entire network structure of Kampo formulas has not been analyzed systematically. In this study, I investigated the associations between kampo formulas based on their compositions and indications in order to provide an overview of the complex network structure of kampo formulas. In addition, relationships between crude drugs and indications were also investigated in a similar manner.

Methods

The list of the 294 over‐the‐counter kampo formulas defined by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan was analyzed to construct networks of kampo formulas. Kampo formulas were connected by edges if their crude drug compositions or indications had significant overlap. A network of crude drugs and indications was also constructed by linking crude drugs and indications if they co‐occurred in significantly many kampo formulas.

Results

Three groups related to keishito, shosaikoto, and rikkunshito were identified in the network of kampo formulas based on crude drug composition. Three groups related to the treatment of gastric disorders, women's diseases, and neuralgia were also identified in the network of kampo formulas based on indications. Major groups were also identified in the network of crude drugs and indications.

Conclusion

The networks of kampo formulas as well as crude drugs and indications were successfully obtained, which may help to facilitate our understanding of kampo formulas and crude drugs.
Development of a medical education program with abdominal palpation simulators to support the understanding of traditional Japanese (kampo) medicine in beginners
Authors: Arita Ryutaro , Numata Takehiro , Saito Natsumi , Takayama Shin , Togashi Takafumi , Kaneko Soichiro , Kikuchi Akiko , Ohsawa Minoru , Kamiya Tetsuharu , Abe Michiaki , Ishii Tadashi
Published: October 2019

Aim

Traditional Japanese (kampo) medicine has recently been included in the medical education curriculum in Japan; hence, an education program in kampo physical examination for beginners is needed. The aim of the present study was to develop an education program using a simulator of kampo abdominal palpation that would enable beginners to acquire this skill, and to assess the effectiveness and usefulness of the education program.

Methods

First, we conducted a preliminary trial. Fifteen beginners received a lecture about abdominal findings and the associated representative kampo formulas and underwent a simulator palpation test. Following this trial, we created and conducted a 1 day education program as a prospective study. The program included a general lecture on physical examination in kampo medicine, followed by a pre‐test assessment involving palpation of the simulators, a specific lecture about abdominal palpation, and finally a post‐test assessment. The pre‐ and post‐test accuracy rates were evaluated.

Results

High accuracy rates were obtained in the preliminary trial, but the research protocol did not enable an assessment of the effectiveness or usefulness of the trial. In the subsequent education program, 41 participants had significantly higher accuracy rates after the lecture than before the lecture, in both abdominal findings (from 78.2% to 94.4% on average, P < 0.001) and in the associated representative kampo formulas (from 21.8% to 59.7% on average, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

An education program using simulators for kampo abdominal palpation can be effective and useful for beginners in kampo medicine.
Grand unified theories in renormalisable, classically scale invariant gravity
Authors: Einhorn Martin B. , Jones D.R. Timothy
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We analyze SO(N) and SU(N) gauge theories with scalars in adjoint and fundamental representations, coupled to renormalisable, classically scale invariant gravity. In the specific case of SO(11), we show that the quantum field theory can be can be asymptotically free in all couplings (hence ultra-violet complete). For a region of parameter space, Dimensional Transmutation occurs, with the adjoint vacuum expectation value breaking SO(11) → SU(6) ⊗ U(1) and producing a Low Energy Effective Theory having Einstein-Hilbert gravity. We verify that certain minima are locally stable and lie within the catchment basin of the ultraviolet fixed points.