bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative investigation of CSRZ‐DQPSK, DRZ‐DQPSK, and MDRZ‐DQPSK modulation techniques in MDM IS‐OWC system
Authors: Gill Harpreet Kaur , Grewal Narwant Singh , Walia Gurjot Kaur
Published: February 2019

The article presents the comprehensive approach of designing MDM in Inter‐Satellite OWC system using CSRZ‐DQPSK, DRZ‐DQPSK, and MDRZ‐DQPSK modulation system. The 64 Laguerre Gaussian modes are integrated to enhance the system's capability. The proposed system is designed for 64 channels having distances varied from 900 to 4500 km at various data rates. The mode division multiplexing concept is implemented over WDM because it uses single laser source and enhance the capacity of optical networks. Performance of proposed system is examined by comparing the eye diagrams and Q‐factor. It is observed from the outcomes that MDRZ‐DQPSK modulation presents superior Quality factor of 19.42 then DRZ‐DQPSK and CSRZ‐DQPSK Modulation with the favorable distance upto 4500 km at 10 Gbps bit rate. MDRZ‐DQPSK modulation technique performs well till 40 Gbps whereas CSRZ‐DQPSK Modulation exhibits least Q‐factor due to high consumption of bandwidth but it saves cost and preferable for long reach transmission.
A new RFID monopole antenna using a compact AMC structure
Authors: Elzuwawi Hifa H. , Tahseen Muhammad M. , Elzwawi Ghada H. , Denidni Tayeb A.
Published: February 2019

A new compact artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) based coplanar waveguide (CPW) antenna is presented for RFID applications. The antenna is designed with hexagonal ring and patch elements. The proposed AMC with an electrical size of 0.02
λ0 is designed as a reflector for a monopole antenna which improves the antenna gain from 2 to 6.7 dBi. The monopole antenna is designed using cascaded hexagonal patch and ring elements. The simulated and experimental performance of the proposed antenna are presented in terms of return loss, gain and radiation patterns, with and without the presence of AMC. The performance of the antenna is evaluated at 868 MHz (European RFID Band). The obtained results exhibit good agreement. The proposed antenna provides compactness, cost efficiency, higher gain, and higher radiation efficiency (at 868 MHz).
Malnutrition Impacts Health‐Related Quality of Life in Cirrhosis: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Chiu Elaine , Marr Kaleb , Taylor Lorian , Lam Louisa , Stapleton Melanie , Tandon Puneeta , Raman Maitreyi
Published: February 2019

Background

To explore the influence of nourishment state measured by various nutrition assessment tools (NATs) on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in a pretransplant population with cirrhosis.

Methods

We collected demographic, nutrition assessment, and disease specific data on 81 patients. HRQoL was measured with the Short‐Form 36 and divided into 8 subscales. Significant relationships between NATs and HRQoL were examined using independent sample t‐tests, χ2 analyses, correlations, and multiple and logistic regression adjusted for age and gender.

Results

Study mean age was 54.2 years (SD 10.4 years), and 57% were male. Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) was significantly related to all HRQoL subscales, except bodily pain and mental health. In the adjusted regression models, general health, vitality, and social functioning were all significantly lower in patients with poorer nutrition status measured using SGA (adjusted R2 = 11%, β = −0.34, p < 0.01; adjusted R2 = 8%, β = −0.27, P < 0.05; and adjusted R2 = 12%, β = −0.38, P < 0.01, Q4 respectively). Physical functioning improved as hand grip strength increased (adjusted R2 = 20%, β = 0.36, P < 0.01). MELDNa demonstrated a significant negative relationship with role‐emotional (adjusted R2 = 3%, β = 0.25, P < 0.05), and mid‐arm circumference did not demonstrate any significant relationships with HRQoL.

Conclusions

Malnutrition assessed by SGA is associated with lower HRQoL in patients with cirrhosis. Future research should identify if nutrition interventions can effectively improve HRQoL in cirrhosis patients.
Long‐Term Follow‐up of the Mind Your Health Project: Acceptance‐Based versus Standard Behavioral Treatment for Obesity
Authors: Forman Evan M. , Manasse Stephanie M. , Butryn Meghan L. , Crosby Ross D. , Dallal Diane H. , Crochiere Rebecca J.
Published: February 2019

Objective

In the Mind Your Health Trial, acceptance‐based behavioral treatment (ABT) for obesity outperformed standard behavioral treatment (SBT) at posttreatment. This trial compared effects over 2 years of follow‐up.

Methods

Participants with overweight or obesity (n = 190) were randomized to 25 sessions of SBT or ABT over 1 year and assessed at months 12 (i.e., posttreatment), 24 (1 year posttreatment), and 36 (2 years posttreatment).

Results

Weight‐loss differences previously observed at 12 months attenuated by follow‐up, though a large difference was observed in the proportion of treatment completers who maintained 10% weight loss at 36 months (SBT = 17.1% vs. ABT = 31.6%; P = 0.04; intent‐to‐treat: SBT = 14.4% vs. ABT = 25.0%; P = 0.07). The amount of regain between posttreatment and follow‐up did not differ between groups. ABT produced higher quality of life at 24 and 36 months. Autonomous motivation and psychological acceptance of food‐related urges mediated the effect of condition on weight. No moderator effects were identified.

Conclusions

Overall, results suggest that infusing SBT for weight loss with acceptance‐based strategies enhances weight loss initially, but these effects fade in the years following the withdrawal of treatment. Even so, those receiving ABT were about twice as likely to maintain 10% weight loss at 36 months, and they reported considerably higher quality of life.
Minimally disseminated disease and outcome in overt orbital retinoblastoma
Authors: Aschero Rosario , Torbidoni Ana , Sampor Claudia , Laurent Viviana , Zugbi Santiago , Winter Ursula , Lubieniecki Fabiana , Alonso Daniel , Schaiquevich Paula , Chantada Guillermo L.
Published: February 2019

In this retrospective study of patients with overt orbital retinoblastoma, we evaluated minimally disseminated disease (MDD) in bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using CRX and/or GD2 synthase as markers. Ten patients were evaluated—five (50%) at diagnosis and five upon relapse. MDD was detected in four cases (one in the bone marrow, two in the CSF, and in one case in both sites). All patients received chemotherapy and four received orbital radiotherapy. Seven patients relapsed or progressed and all of them died. Three patients remain in complete remission. There was no apparent correlation between MDD and the outcome.
A preliminary service evaluation of a personality disorder case management service
Authors: Graham Simon , Sullivan Kathia , Briggs Laura , Goodall Mark , Iraci Capucinello Rosella
Published: February 2019

Aims

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of establishing a specialized community personality disorder team on out of area placements, local hospital admissions and out of hours crisis contacts for service users with borderline personality disorder.

Method

This is a before–after interim evaluation of a new service. We tested, through a paired t‐test, whether the intervention generated statistically significant differences over a range of measures of service usage, including out of area placements, local hospital admissions and out of hours crisis contacts. Data from 12 months after the intervention started were compared with the previous 12 months of routine care, to determine the effect on crisis contacts, days in hospital and those returning from/or sent out of area for care. Finally, we have assessed the likelihood to generate cost savings.

Results

All service users in out of area placements were repatriated to live in the community locally (100%), and there was a statistically significant decrease in inpatient admissions (80%). This was counterbalanced by a smaller but statistically significant increase in out of hours community crisis contacts (30%), although these reduced over time.

Conclusion

Reorganizing local care pathways can lead to less out of area placements and less hospital admissions. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A molecular electron density theory study of the Lewis acid–catalyzed decomposition reaction of nitroethyl benzoate using aluminum derivatives
Authors: Kącka‐Zych Agnieszka , Ríos‐Gutiérrez Mar , Domingo Luis R.
Published: February 2019

The molecular mechanism of the decomposition reaction of nitroethyl benzoate (NEB‐1) catalyzed by Lewis acids (LAs) based on aluminum metal, AlMe3, and AlCl3, in N,N‐dimethylacetamide, has been analyzed within the molecular electron density theory (MEDT) using calculations at the B3LYP(PCM)/6‐31+G(d) computational level. These LA‐catalyzed decomposition reactions take place via a two‐step mechanism involving a zwitterionic intermediate. The use of a more acidic AlCl3 LA favors the decomposition reaction, both kinetically and thermodynamically. The bonding evolution theory (BET) analyses indicate that these LA‐catalyzed decomposition reactions begin with the proton transfer process, followed by the extrusion of benzoic acid at the second step of the reaction.
Inhibitory regulation mechanism of naphthoquinone and its derivatives in radical polymerization
Authors: Ichihara Kenta , Kawamura Izuru , Sakakibara Kazuhisa , Ikejiri Yujirou , Himori Shunichi
Published: February 2019

The inhibitory regulation mechanism towards the methyl 2‐methylpropionate radical (a model of the poly(methyl methacrylate) [MMA] propagation radical) by naphthoquinone derivatives in radical polymerization in an aerobic or anaerobic atmosphere has been studied experimentally by liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of the isolated reaction products, which were purified by preparative thin‐layer chromatography. In addition, we have carried out a theoretical analysis (DFT B3LYP/6‐311+G**) of the frontier orbital interactions and reaction Gibbs free energies (ΔG) for the formation of the relevant reaction products and intermediates and activation free energies (ΔG#) and frontier electron densities (fA(R)) of the radical reactions. Consequently, the reaction mechanism where quinone products are formed by the attack of propagation radicals at the C2 carbon next to the carbonyl group in naphthoquinone was rationalized.
Grafting of amphiphilic block copolymers on lignocellulosic materials via SI‐AGET‐ATRP
Authors: Vidiella del Blanco Marta , Gomez Vera , Fleckenstein Peter , Keplinger Tobias , Cabane Etienne
Published: February 2019

Functionalizing biosourced materials is a major topic in the field of materials science. In particular, grafting polymerization techniques have been employed to change the surface properties of various substrates. Here, we report on the grafting of amphiphilic block copolymers in lignocellulosic materials using surface‐initiated activators generated by electron transfer atomic transfer radical polymerization (SI‐AGET‐ATRP). With this modification, it is possible to combine the interesting properties (anisotropy and high mechanical stability) of lightweight lignocellulosic materials, such as wood, with the special properties of the grafted block copolymers. Hydroxyl groups on wood cell wall biopolymers were used for the chemical bonding of an alkyl bromide as the initiator for AGET‐SI‐ATRP of a highly hydrophilic monomer ([2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride) and a highly hydrophobic fluorinated monomer (2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5‐octafluoropentyl methacrylate). The successful grafting of homopolymers and block copolymers onto the wood structure was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The functionalization with the two homopolymers yielded lignocellulosic materials with opposite wettabilities, whereas by the adjustment of the ratio between the two copolymer blocks, it was possible to tune the wettability between these two extremes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 885–897
Functionalization of poly(lactide) with N‐phenyl maleimide using N‐acetoxy‐phthalimide during reactive extrusion
Authors: Rolere Sébastien , Monge Sophie , Rakotonirina Mamy Daniel , Guillaneuf Yohann , Gigmes Didier , Robin Jean‐Jacques
Published: February 2019

Radical grafting of poly(lactide) (PLA) during postpolymerization reactive extrusion is usually done with peroxide initiation, leading to undesirable side reactions (branching or crosslinking) and to difficulties to control the process parameters as well as the final macromolecular structure. The use of N‐acetoxy‐phthalimide (NAPI) was investigated as an alternative to peroxides for the functionalization in the melt of PLA with N‐phenylmaleimide (PhM) monomer. The use of NAPI was found to lead to similar grafting rates in comparison to peroxides, with a better control of the PLA macromolecular structure, due to the formation of nitroxide radicals that combine with the produced macroradicals. Also, the grafting site on PLA backbone was identified after hydrolysis of grafted PLA. Above an optimal PhM concentration, homopolymerization of the monomer was also highlighted. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 917–928
Effect of solvent–matrix interactions on structures and mechanical properties of micelle‐crosslinked gels
Authors: Xu Dan , Xu Ting , Gao Guorong , Xiao Ying , Wang Zongbao , Chen Jing , Zhou Yang , Wang Rong , Yin Jingbo , Fu Jun
Published: February 2019

Previous studies on hydrogels crosslinked by acrylated PEO99–PPO65–PEO99triblock copolymer (F127DA) micelles demonstrate outstanding strength and toughness, which is attributed to the efficient energy dissipation through the hydrophobic association in the micelles. The current study further focuses on how the solvent property affects the structures and the mechanical properties of F127DA micelle crosslinked polyacrylamide gels. Binary solvents comprised of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and water are used to adjust the polymer/solvent interactions, which consequently tune the conformations of the polymer chains in the network. The presence of DMSO significantly decreases the strength but increased the stretchability of the gels, whereas the overall tensile toughness remained unchanged.In situsmall‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements reveal the deformation of micelles along with the stretching direction. A structure evolution mechanism upon solvent change is proposed, according to the experimental observations, to explain influence of solvent quality on the mechanical properties of the micelle‐crosslinked gels. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2019,57, 473–483
A preventive intervention to modify depression risk targets after breast cancer diagnosis: Design and single‐arm pilot study
Authors: Weihs Karen L. , McConnell Mairead H. , Wiley Joshua F. , Crespi Catherine M. , Sauer‐Zavala Shannon , Stanton Annette L.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Apply the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stage Model to design and test an intervention to prevent depression in breast cancer patients at risk for depression.

Methods

We identified mindful emotion awareness, along with approach and avoidance strategies for cancer‐related coping and emotion regulation, as targets for a preventive intervention adapted from the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders. Patients' preferences for individual, in‐person, and time‐efficient sessions informed the design. Patients at risk for depression received a 6‐week, 5‐hour intervention with daily exercises. Intervention targets were assessed at baseline, before each session, and 4‐weeks post intervention. Mixed effects analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed change over the follow‐up period, controlling for age, partnered status, and disease stage.

Results

Fifty‐five percent (40/72) of women screened within 6 months of diagnosis had elevated depression risk. Of these, 24 (60%) signed consent. Sixteen received intervention after five were excluded for current depressive disorder, cognitive impairment, or death. Three dropped out. Ninety‐eight percent attendance and 77% practice days indicated feasibility. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) corrected for regression to the mean (RTM) were 0.82 for cancer‐related acceptance coping, 0.65 for cancer‐related emotional expression, and 0.32 and 0.42 for decreased cancer‐related avoidance coping and depressive symptoms, respectively. Effect sizes for variables lacking data to correct for RTM were 1.0, 0.7, and 0.5 for decreased rumination, experiential avoidance, and fear of depression, respectively, and 1.3, 0.6, and 0.4 for increased cognitive flexibility, distress tolerance, and describing/not judging emotions, respectively.

Conclusions

The feasibility of this intervention and malleability of its targets support its further investigation.
Health‐related quality of life among US adults with cancer: Potential roles of complementary and alternative medicine for health promotion and well‐being
Authors: Rhee Taeho Greg , Pawloski Pamala A. , Parsons Helen M.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

We estimated prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by reason for use (treatment, wellness, or both) among non‐institutionalized adults with cancer in the United States. We also examined health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes among adults with cancer who used CAM.

Methods

We used data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which represents non‐institutionalized adults with cancer (n = 2967 unweighted). Using a cross‐sectional design with survey sampling techniques, we estimated past year prevalence of CAM use. We ran multivariable logistic regression analyses to investigate the odds of perceived benefits of CAM.

Results

In the past 12 months, 35.1% of adults with cancer reported using some form of CAM. Among CAM users, 56.0% used CAM for both treatment and wellness, and 32.4% used CAM for wellness only. Only 11.6% used CAM for treatment only. Regardless of reason for use, the most commonly used CAM types in the past year were herbal therapies (56.8%), chiropractic (27.1%), and massage (24.9%). Among CAM users, those using CAM for wellness only and for a combination of treatment and wellness reported significantly higher odds of “a better sense of controlling health” and “improved overall health and feeling better” compared with treatment only users. Similar patterns were found in other HRQOL outcomes, but they were not statistically different.

Conclusions

CAM is widely used among adults with cancer for wellness only or a combination of treatment and wellness. Given improved HRQOL outcomes, CAM may be a promising approach for enhancing health promotion and well‐being among adults with cancer.
Correlation between methylation of the caveolin‐1 gene and of caveolin‐1 messenger ribonucleic acid, and protein levels and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein expression in adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction
Authors: Liu Ruizhen , Kong Yi , Sun Pengbo , Li Faliang , Shi Xiaopeng
Published: February 2019

Objective

To investigate the methylation level of caveolin‐1 gene (CAV1) in human adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) and distal normal tissues (>10 cm from cancerous foci), and to study the protein expression level of CAV1 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her‐2) in AEG and their relationship with CAV1 methylation.

Methods

Methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the methylation level of CAV1 in 67 cases with AEG and distal normal tissues. The mRNA level of CAV1 in AEG and distal normal tissues was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression levels of CAV1 and Her‐2. The correlation between CAV1 methylation, CAV1 mRNA level, CAV1 protein, and Her‐2 protein was further analyzed.

Results

In AEG, the methylation rate of CAV1 was 28.4% (19/67), and almost no methylation of this gene was found in the distal normal tissues (P < 0.01). The methylation level of CAV1 in carcinoma tissues was related to tumor size, differentiation, and lymph node metastasis in patients (P < 0.05), but was not related to sex, age, the presence of vascular carcinoma thrombus, and clinical stages. The expression rate of CAV1 mRNA and protein in carcinoma tissues was 46.3% and 41.8%, respectively, which was dramatically lower than that in distal normal tissues (P < 0.01). The protein expression level of CAV1 and Her‐2 in carcinoma tissues was correlated with the CAV1 methylation level (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Methylation of CAV1 might be involved in tumor development, and associated with the mRNA and protein expression of CAV1 and Her‐2 protein expression in AEG, which could play an important role in the formation and progression of AEG.
Differentiation of isomeric heptylamines by in‐source collision‐induced dissociation of [M + H]+ ions
Authors: Zaremba Iga , Frański Rafał , Kasperkowiak Małgorzata
Published: February 2019

Rationale

1,3‐Dimethylamylamine (1,3‐DMAA), 1,4‐dimethylamylamine (1,4‐DMAA) and 2‐aminoheptane are isomeric heptylamines commonly used as stimulants. The fragmentations of their [M + H]+ ions (m/z 116) are almost identical and consist of the formation of a fragment ion C4H9+ at m/z 57. It is interesting to check if analysis of electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra of these three amines enables their differentiation. In order to better understand the fragmentation of isomeric heptylamines, 1‐, 3‐ and 4‐aminoheptane were also included in the study.

Methods

ESI in‐source collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra were obtained with a Waters/Micromass ZQ2000 mass spectrometer (single quadrupole‐type instrument) at a cone voltage of 12–34 V. The influence of three commonly used solvents on the fragmentation of [M + H]+ ions was tested, namely methanol, methanol/water (1/1) and acetonitrile/water (1/1).

Results

Only one quantitative difference was observed in the mass spectra of 1,3‐DMAA, 1,4‐DMAA and 2‐aminoheptane, namely formation of a product ion at m/z 57 from the [M + H]+ ion of 1,3‐DMAA is more efficient than the formation of this ion from [M + H]+ ions of 2‐aminoheptane and 1,4‐DMAA. In‐source CID of 3‐ and 4‐aminoheptane consists of (besides the formation of ion C4H9+) the formation of a low‐abundance, but clearly seen, fragment ion at m/z 114 (loss of H2).

Conclusions

Differentiation of 1,3‐DMAA from 1,4‐DMAA and 2‐aminoheptane seems to be possible by in‐source CID of their [M + H]+ ions. However, comparison of the mass spectrum obtained for the analysed sample with that of a standard seems to be necessary. Only 3‐ and 4‐aminoheptane may be easily differentiated from the other heptylamines by the presence of fragment ions at m/z 114.
Perception, navigation, and manipulation in the team KAUST approach to the MBZIRC ground robotics challenge
Authors: Güler Samet , Algarni Mohammed A. , Shaqura Mohammad Z. , Jaleel Hassan , Mabrok Mohamed A. , Jiang Jiming , Lu Yimeng , Shamma Jeff S.
Published: February 2019

The ground robotics challenge in the Mohammed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge required a ground vehicle equipped with a robotic arm to autonomously locate a panel, select a proper size wrench among several options mounted on the panel, and use the wrench to rotate a valve. Autonomy was the critical factor in this challenge, which required the teams to devise algorithms that can operate successfully in a semistructured environment without human supervision. This paper presents the approaches taken by team KAUST to meet this challenge, ranging from in‐house hardware designs to algorithm integration and customization. We separated the whole objective into three interconnected tasks: Navigation, perception, and manipulation. For the navigation task, we developed a basic robotic exploration scheme to find the panel front side where the wrenches were present. For the perception task, we integrated common object detection algorithms with neural networks to identify the proper size wrench precisely. For successful manipulation, we designed and built a custom gripper, which was inspired by the common grasping behavior of a human hand under tight clearance conditions. The modular structure of the proposed approach allowed the team to progress in several subtasks simultaneously. However, the interconnection between the subtasks necessitated a reliable integration framework between these modules for effective implementation. We tuned our algorithms in extensive experimental studies and eventually obtained 10 consecutive successful navigation runs, 96% true wrench detection rate, and high success rate in wrench grasping. Furthermore, successful complete tests proved the reliability and repeatability of our system.
Assessing regional‐scale variability in deforestation and forest degradation rates in a tropical biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Yesuf Gabriel , Brown Kerry A. , Walford Nigel
Published: February 2019

Deforestation and forest degradation are major drivers of global environmental change and tropical forests are subjected to unprecedented pressures from both. For most tropical zones, deforestation rates are averaged across entire countries, often without highlighting regional differentiation. There are also very few estimates of forest degradation, either averaged or localized for the tropics. We quantified regional and country‐wide changes in deforestation and forest degradation rates for Madagascar from Landsat temporal data (in two intervals, 1994–2002 and 2002–2014). To our knowledge, this is the first country‐wide estimate of forest degradation for Madagascar. We also performed an intensity analysis to categorize the magnitude and speed of transitions between forest, vegetation matrix, cultivated land and exposed surface. We found significant regional heterogeneity in deforestation and forest degradation. Deforestation rates decreased annually in lowland evergreen moist forest by −0.24% and in all other vegetation zones. Forest degradation rates had annual increases in the same period in lowland evergreen moist forest (0.09%), littoral forest (0.06%) but decreased in medium altitude moist evergreen forest (−0.25%), dry deciduous forest (−0.23%) and scelrophyllous woodland (−0.61%) in the same period. Despite these regional differences, higher rates of deforestation and forest degradation were consistently driven by rapid and large‐sized conversions of largely intact forest to cultivated lands and exposed surfaces, most of which occurred between 1994 and 2002. These results suggest that while targeted conservation projects may have reduced forest degradation rates in some areas (e.g. medium altitude moist evergreen forest), the drivers of land cover change remain intense in relatively neglected regions. We advocate a more balanced approach to future conservation initiatives, one recognizing that deforestation and forest degradation, particularly in tropical Africa, are often driven by region‐specific conditions and therefore require conservation policies tailored for local conditions.
Impaired Bone Regenerative Effect of Exosomes Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Zhu Yu , Jia Yachao , Wang Yanmao , Xu Jia , Chai Yimin
Published: February 2019

Stem cell-derived exosomes have exhibited promise for applications in tissue regeneration. However, one major problem for stem cell-derived exosome therapies is identifying appropriate source cells. In the present study, we aimed to compare the bone regenerative effect of exosomes secreted by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) derived from type 1 diabetes rats (dBMSC-exos) and exosomes secreted by BMSCs derived from normal rats (nBMSC-exos). BMSCs were isolated from rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and normal rats. dBMSC-exos and nBMSC-exos were isolated by an ultracentrifugation method and identified. The effects of dBMSC-exos and nBMSC-exos on the proliferation and migration of BMSCs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were investigated. The effects of exosomes on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and the angiogenic activity of HUVECs were compared. Finally, a rat calvarial defect model was used to compare the effects of exosomes on bone regeneration and neovascularization in vivo. In vitro, dBMSC-exos and nBMSC-exos both enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and promoted the angiogenic activity of HUVECs, but nBMSC-exos had a greater effect than dBMSC-exos. Similarly, in vivo, both dBMSC-exos and nBMSC-exos promoted bone regeneration and neovascularization in rat calvarial defects, but the therapeutic effect of nBMSC-exos was superior to that of dBMSC-exos. The present study demonstrates for the first time that the bone regenerative effect of exosomes derived from BMSCs is impaired in type 1 diabetes, indicating that for patients with type 1 diabetes, the autologous transplantation of BMSC-exos to promote bone regeneration may be inappropriate. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:593–605
Diels‐Alder Reaction of Cyclopenta‐1,3‐diene and Anthracene to bis‐Fumarates Derived from Menthol Analogues
Authors: Piątek Anna , Chapuis Christian
Published: February 2019

Due to steric interactions of the overly bulky substituted 8‐position, the classic 8‐Ph‐menthol (‐)‐1 d is not the optimal chiral auxiliary for the asymmetric Diels‐Alder reaction of its bis fumarate (‐)‐2 d to dienes such as cyclopenta‐1,3‐diene 3 b, or anthracene 3 c. This prosthetic group (‐)‐1 d could efficiently be replaced by an intermediate smaller analog (‐)‐1 e, readily prepared in a single step by cyclopropanation of isopulegol (‐)‐1 b. This latter auxiliary, resulting from the industrial technology developed by Takasago for menthol (‐)‐1 a, does not necessitate the stereoselective ketone reduction and chromatographic separation of the usual Michael adducts, derived from (+)‐pulegone. This chiral auxiliary (‐)‐1 e, never used as an asymmetric Diels‐Alder promoter, is much more selective than menthol (‐)‐1 a itself, under uncatalyzed conditions, and is also more stable than the polymerizable isopulegyl derived dienophiles, under Lewis acid mediated conditions. This prosthetic group thus readily allows large scale operations in both accessible enantiomeric series.
Cu2ZnSnS4 Quantum Dots as Hole Transport Material for Enhanced Charge Extraction and Stability in All‐Inorganic CsPbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Zheng‐Ji , Deng Yue‐Qing , Zhang Pan‐Pan , Kou Dong‐Xing , Zhou Wen‐Hui , Meng Yue‐Na , Yuan Sheng‐Jie , Wu Si‐Xin
Published: February 2019

All‐inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have recently generated tremendous interest in next‐generation cost‐effective and stable photovoltaic devices. However, the commonly used costly and unstable organic hole transporting material (HTM) has so far prevented the further development and large‐scale application of PSCs. In this work, Cu2ZnSnS4 quantum dots (CZTS QDs) are exploited as a novel inorganic HTM for CsPbBr3 PSCs. Due to the well‐matched energy levels with the inorganic perovskite layer, a decent power conversion efficiency of 4.84% is achieved, which is quite comparable to the efficiency of the traditional device based on spiro‐OMeTAD HTM (5.36%). Moreover, the photoluminescence (PL) and impedance spectroscopy further demonstrate the more effective hole extraction and transfer properties of the CZTS QDs interface layer, making it a promising material for fabricating efficient and stable PSCs toward practical applications.
Corn and Pinhão Starches Modified with Sodium Tripolyphosphate: Thermal, Pasting, Structural and Morphological Properties
Authors: Beninca Cleoci , Barboza Raíssa A. , de Oliveira Cristina S. , Bet Camila D. , Bisinella Radla Z. B. , Schnitzler Egon
Published: February 2019

Pinhão and corn starches are submitted to phosphating with sodium tripolyphosphate and their properties are evaluated by thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, viscoamylography, X‐ray powder diffractometry, field emission gun‐scanning electron microscopy analysis. The phosphating process is divided into three steps to analyse the behaviour of the sample on exposure to phosphate groups. After the modification, there is a decrease in the transition temperatures and gelatinisation enthalpy of both starches. During the three phases of phosphating, small differences are observed in the thermal stability of the modified samples, but a lower value is obtained for corn starch after the third stage. The decrease in pasting temperature is accompanied by an increase in the peak viscosity of the starch suspensions, however, higher values for setback and breakdown are also recorded. The degree of relative crystallinity of the phosphated starches increases, and from microscopy it is possible to observe the presence of crystals of sodium tripolyphosphate during phosphating process.
Interaction Between Sympk and Oct4 Promotes Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Proliferation
Authors: Yu Jianping , Lu Weisi , Ge Tianyu , Huang Rui , Chen Bohong , Ye Miaoman , Bai Yaofu , Shi Guang , Songyang Zhou , Ma Wenbin , Huang Junjiu
Published: February 2019

The scaffold protein Symplekin (Sympk) is involved in cytoplasmic RNA polyadenylation, transcriptional modulation, and the regulation of epithelial differentiation and proliferation via tight junctions. It is highly expressed in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), in which its role remains unknown. In this study, we found Sympk overexpression in mouse ESCs significantly increased colony formation, and Sympk deletion via CRISPR/Cas9 decreased colony formation. Sympk promoted ESC growth and its overexpression sustained ESC pluripotency, as assessed by teratoma and chimeric mouse formation. Genomic stability was preserved in these cells after long-term passage. The domain of unknown function 3453 (DUF3453) in Sympk was required for its interaction with the key pluripotent factor Oct4, and its depletion led to impaired colony formation. Sympk activated proliferation-related genes and suppressed differentiation-related genes. Our results indicate that Sympk interacts with Oct4 to promote self-renewal and pluripotency in ESCs and preserves genome integrity; accordingly, it has potential value for stem cell therapies. Stem Cells  2019;37:743–753
A new method for corrosion assessment of reinforcing bars based on close‐range photogrammetry: Experimental validation
Authors: Cavaco Eduardo , Pimenta Rui , Valença Jónatas
Published: February 2019

In most developed countries, a significant portion of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is spent on maintenance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures suffering from corrosion. Although extensive research has been devoted to this issue, little attention has been given to the study of accurate methods to quantify corrosion and its spatial variability. As a result, scattered data can be found in the literature, relating the rates of corrosion, its penetration depth, and the resulting structural deteriorating effects. In this paper, a new cost‐effective and versatile method for corrosion assessment of RC structures based on close‐range photogrammetry is proposed. This method was validated by applying it to an experimental research on an accelerated corrosion test of reinforcing bars (RBs). The tests performed show that the proposed method can provide accurate results independent of the RB diameter, length, and corrosion level (measured in terms of rebar's cross section loss percentage), as long as sufficient image overlapping is ensured along the axial and radial axes of the rebar. The results obtained also prove that the method is suitable to measure spatial variability of corrosion attack, providing much better results than those gained from existing geometrical models based on the maximum pit depth. More precise results can be achieved by using semi‐professional Digital Single‐Lens Reflex Cameras (DSLR) cameras having the additional advantage to be suitable for low levels of corrosion attack. However, the research performed shows that accurate results can also be obtained even when a less sophisticated or a smartphone camera is used.
Development and Application of Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Genetic Markers for Conservation Monitoring of Burbot Populations
Authors: Campbell Matthew R. , Vu Ninh V. , LaGrange Amanda P. , Hardy Ryan S. , Ross Tyler J. , Narum Shawn R.
Published: February 2019

The transboundary (Idaho, USA; and British Columbia, Canada) population of Burbot Lota lota native to the Kootenai River basin once provided a popular sport and commercial fishery and has been culturally significant to the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho for millennia. However, the population has experienced significant declines over the last 30 years, due primarily to habitat loss and alteration caused by water storage and diversion. By the late 1990s, the population was considered functionally extinct, with estimates of fewer than 50 Burbot in the wild and little to no recruitment, prompting an ongoing international recovery effort. As part of these recovery efforts, managers have been actively developing a hatchery supplementation program to rebuild the population and support future tribal subsistence harvest and recreational fisheries. Although supplementation breeding programs have the potential to rapidly rebuild depleted natural populations, careful genetic management is critical. To monitor genetic diversity and potential inbreeding in the broodstock and to provide parentage‐based tagging of supplementation offspring, we developed a set (N = 96) of highly variable single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic markers. The subset of 96 SNP markers was developed from a larger suite of 6,517 SNPs that were discovered by using restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing. This cost‐efficient technology allows for the rapid discovery of thousands of SNP markers in species that have not been extensively studied previously or for which there are little existing DNA sequence data. We demonstrated high accuracy (>99%) of our SNP set for parentage and individual identification through simulated and empirical tests. The SNP marker set provides a powerful new tool for managing broodstock and for monitoring and genetically tagging Burbot to track the growth, survival, and movement of released individuals.
Performance‐based plastic design and collapse assessment of diagrid structure fused with shear link
Authors: Li Tianxiang , Yang T.Y. , Tong Genshu
Published: February 2019

A diagrid structure fused with shear link (DSSL) is an innovative earthquake resilient structural system. The DSSL combines the steel diagrid structural system with shear links to dissipate the earthquake energy with the goal to minimize structural repair and downtime after strong earthquake shaking. The SLs are placed between diamond‐shaped grid units and decoupled from the gravity system. To facilitate the design of the proposed DSSL system, the performance‐based plastic design (PBPD) procedure is extended to design a prototype building utilizing DSSL. Detailed finite element model is developed to simulate the non‐linear dynamic response of the structure under a range of earthquake shaking intensities. The results of non‐linear dynamic analyses show that the DSSL has excellent seismic performance and can be efficiently designed using PBPD. Lastly, detailed collapse risk assessment of the prototype building is performed using the FEMA‐P695 methodology. The result shows that the PBPD‐designed DSSL has adequate margin against collapse. Hence, it can be used as an effective seismic force resisting system.
Using Proales similis (Rotifera) for toxicity assessment in marine waters
Authors: Snell Terry W. , Johnston Rachel K. , Matthews Amelia B. , Park Nancy , Berry Savannah , Brashear Jillian
Published: February 2019

There is a need to develop more animal species for assessing toxicity in marine environments. Cyst‐based toxicity tests using invertebrates are especially fast, technically simple, cost‐effective, and sensitive to a variety of toxicants. Over the past 30 years, a variety of toxicity endpoints have been measured using the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis hatched from cysts, including mortality, reproduction, ingestion, swimming, enzyme activity, and gene expression. A consensus has developed that the most ecologically relevant toxicity measurements should be made using more than one species. Furthermore, it has been noted that the rotifer species toxicant sensitivity distribution is much broader than which endpoint is measured. This implies that toxicity should be measured with the simplest, fastest, least expensive test available on as many species as feasible. If a battery of test species is to be used to estimate toxicity, diapause egg‐based toxicity tests that do not require culturing of test animals will be key. In this paper, we describe how diapause eggs of a new marine rotifer, Proales similis, can be produced, stored and hatched under controlled conditions to produce animals for toxicity tests. Methods are described for quantifying the toxicity of copper, mercury and cadmium based on mortality, ingestion, reproduction, and diapause egg hatching endpoints. We found that reproduction and ingestion endpoints were generally more sensitive to the metals than mortality or diapause egg hatching. When the copper sensitivity of P. similis was compared to Brachionus manjavacas and B. plicatilis using an ingestion test, similar EC50s were observed. In contrast, the B. rotundiformis ingestion EC50 for copper was about 4× more sensitive. Although diapause egg hatching was not the most sensitive endpoint, it is the most ecologically relevant for assessing sediment toxicity. Our discovery of diapausing eggs in the P. similis life cycle has created a conundrum. We have not observed males or sex in P. similis populations, which is a direct contradiction to the orthodox view of the monogonont rotifer life cycle. Work is needed to clarify how diapause egg production is accomplished by P. similis and whether sexual reproduction is involved.
Spectral form factor and semi-circle law in the time direction
Authors: Okuyama Kazumi
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We study the time derivative of the connected part of spectral form factor, which we call the slope of ramp, in Gaussian matrix model. We find a closed formula of the slope of ramp at finite N with non-zero inverse temperature. Using this exact result, we confirm numerically that the slope of ramp exhibits a semi-circle law as a function of time.
Building Mesoarchaean crust upon Eoarchaean roots: the Akia Terrane, West Greenland
Authors: Gardiner N. J. , Kirkland C. L. , Hollis J. , Szilas K. , Steenfelt A. , Yakymchuk C. , Heide-Jørgensen H.
Published: February 2019

Constraining the source, genesis, and evolution of Archaean felsic crust is key to understanding the growth and stabilization of cratons. The Akia Terrane, part of the North Atlantic Craton, West Greenland, is comprised of Meso-to-Neoarchaean orthogneiss, with associated supracrustal rocks. We report zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope data, and whole-rock geochemistry, from samples of gneiss and supracrustals from the northern Akia Terrane, including from the Finnefjeld Orthogneiss Complex, which has recently been interpreted as an impact structure. Isotope data record two major episodes of continental crust production at ca. 3.2 and 3.0 Ga. Minor ca. 2.7 and 2.5 Ga magmatic events have more evolved εHf, interpreted as reworking of existing crust perhaps linked to terrane assembly. Felsic rocks from the Finnefjeld Orthogneiss Complex were derived from the same source at the same time as the surrounding tonalites, but from shallower melting, requiring any bolide-driven melting event to have occurred almost simultaneously alongside the production of the surrounding crust. A simpler alternative has the Finnefjeld Complex and surrounding tonalite representing the coeval genesis of evolved crust over a substantial lithospheric depth. Hafnium isotope data from the two major Mesoarchaean crust-forming episodes record a contribution from older mafic Eoarchaean crust. Invoking the involvement of an Eoarchaean root in the growth of younger Mesoarchaean crust puts important constraints on geodynamic models of the formation of the discrete terranes that ultimately assembled to form Earth’s cratons.
Development of screening strategies for the identification of paramylon-degrading enzymes
Authors: Gissibl Alexander , Care Andrew , Sun Angela , Hobba Graham , Nevalainen Helena , Sunna Anwar
Published: February 2019

Enzymatic degradation of the β-1,3-glucan paramylon could enable the production of bioactive compounds for healthcare and renewable substrates for biofuels. However, few enzymes have been found to degrade paramylon efficiently and their enzymatic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Thus, the aim of this work was to find paramylon-degrading enzymes and ways to facilitate their identification. Towards this end, a Euglena gracilis-derived cDNA expression library was generated and introduced into Escherichia coli. A flow cytometry-based screening assay was developed to identify E. gracilis enzymes that could hydrolyse the fluorogenic substrate fluorescein di-β-d-glucopyranoside in combination with time-saving auto-induction medium. In parallel, four amino acid sequences of potential E. gracilis β-1,3-glucanases were identified from proteomic data. The open reading frame encoding one of these candidate sequences (light_m.20624) was heterologously expressed in E. coli. Finally, a Congo Red dye plate assay was developed for the screening of enzyme preparations potentially able to degrade paramylon. This assay was validated with enzymes assumed to have paramylon-degrading activity and then used to identify four commercial preparations with previously unknown paramylon degradation ability.
Local linear conditional cumulative distribution function with mixing data
Authors: Bouanani Oussama , Rahmani Saâdia , Ait-Hennani Larbi
Published: February 2019

This paper investigates a conditional cumulative distribution of a scalar response given by a functional random variable with an $$\alpha $$
α
-mixing stationary sample using a local polynomial technique. The main purpose of this study is to establish asymptotic normality results under selected mixing conditions satisfied by many time-series analysis models in addition to the other appropriate conditions to confirm the planned prospects.
Quercetin promotes learning and memory performance concomitantly with neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the adult rat dentate gyrus
Authors: Karimipour Mohammad , Rahbarghazi Reza , Tayefi Hamid , Shimia Mohammad , Ghanadian Mustafa , Mahmoudi Javad , Bagheri Hesam Saghaei
Published: February 2019

The decline in neurogenesis is a very critical problem in Alzheimer disease. Different biological activities have been reported for medicinal application of quercetin. Herein, we investigated the neurogenesis potential of quercetin in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease induced by amyloid‐beta injection. Rats were randomly divided into Control, Alzheimer + Saline and Alzheimer + Quercetin groups. Following the administration of Amyloid‐beta, rats in the Alzheimer + Quercetin group received 40 mg/kg/day quercetin orally for one month. Our data demonstrated amyloid‐β injection could impair learning and memory processing in rats indicated by passive avoidance test evaluation. We noted that one‐month quercetin treatment alleviated the detrimental effects of amyloid‐β on spatial learning and memory parameters using Morris water maze analysis. Quercetin was found to increase the number of proliferating neural stem/progenitor cells. Notably, quercetin increased the number of DCX‐expressing cells, indicating the active dynamic growth of neural progenitor cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. We further observed that the quercetin improved the number of BrdU/NeuN positive cells contributed to enhanced adult neurogenesis. Based on our results, quercetin had the potential to promote the expression of BDNF, NGF, CREB, and EGR‐1 genes involved in regulating neurogenesis. These data suggest that quercetin can play a valuable role in alleviating Alzheimer's disease symptoms by enhancing adult neurogenesis mechanism.