bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly(methyl methacrylate)‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide‐based core–shell structured beads for thermally conductive epoxy composites
Authors: Doan Vu Chi , Vu Minh Canh , Islam Md. Akhtarul , Kim Sung‐Ryong
Published: December 2018

Thermally conductive epoxy nanocomposite with core–shell structured filler beads has been prepared. The core represents plasma‐treated poly(methyl methacrylate) bead, and the shell, amine‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide (frGO) sheets. The negatively charged core and the positively charged shell form core–shell unified structure through electrostatic attraction and the conductive bridges are formed among neighboring filler particles in the composite mass. The epoxy composite prepared with these core–shell structured filler shows a thermal conductivity of 0.72 W m−1 K−1 for an overall frGO concentration of as low as 0.96 wt %. Pal model has been applied to evaluate the effective thermal conductivity of frGO sheets that have been realized in the epoxy composition. Assuming the maximum possible volume packing fraction of the spherical beads for random jamming to be equal to 0.63, the effective thermal conductivity has been estimated as 280 W m−1 K−1. Evaluation of the effective thermal conductivity is a step forward to in‐depth study of real contribution of the highly conductive fillers in the polymer composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47377.
The Contribution of PTPN22 to Rheumatic Disease
Authors: Mustelin Tomas , Bottini Nunzio , Stanford Stephanie M.
Published: December 2018

One of the unresolved questions in modern medicine is why certain individuals develop a disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or lupus, while others do not. Contemporary science indicates that genetics is partly responsible for disease development, while environmental and stochastic factors also play a role. Among the many genes that increase the risk of autoimmune conditions, the risk allele encoding the W620 variant of protein tyrosine phosphatase N22 (PTPN22) is shared between multiple rheumatic diseases, suggesting that it plays a fundamental role in the development of immune dysfunction. Herein, we discuss how the presence of the PTPN22 risk allele may shape the signs and symptoms of these diseases. Besides the emerging clarity regarding how PTPN22 tunes T and B cell antigen receptor signaling, we discuss recent discoveries of important functions of PTPN22 in myeloid cell lineages. Taken together, these new insights reveal important clues to the molecular mechanisms of prevalent diseases like RA and lupus and may open new avenues for the development of personalized therapies that spare the normal function of the immune system.
Wiener Blut
Authors: Stein Torsten
Published: December 2018

Der Wiener Arzt und Bakteriologe Karl Landsteiner zählt zu den bedeutensten Persönlichkeiten der Medizingeschichte. 1901 entdeckte er das AB0‐System der menschlichen Blutgruppen, 1940 den Rhesusfaktor und damit die zwei wichtigsten Faktoren zur Blutspezifikation, wodurch Bluttransfusionen möglich wurden. Landsteiner gilt als Vater der Immunologie und ist darüber hinaus zu wichtigen Erkenntnissen in Mikrobiologie und Virolologie gelangt. 2018 markiert ein Doppeljubiläum: Am 14. Juni wäre Landsteiner 150 Jahre alt geworden – vor 75 Jahren ist er gestorben.
Nobelpreis für Physiologie oder Medizin 2018: Checkpoint‐Immuntherapie
Authors: Gebhardt Ulrike
Published: December 2018

Den Nobelpreis für Physiologie oder Medizin teilen sich in diesem Jahr der US‐Amerikaner James P. Allison und der Japaner Tasuku Honjo für Ihre Entwicklung von Krebstherapien, die auf einer Hemmung der negativen Immunregulation basieren. Dabei werden Immunzellen durch eingebaute Bremsen daran gehindert, körpereigene Zellen anzugreifen. Ein Lösen dieser Bremsen macht Immunzellen gegenüber Krebszellen scharf.
Bambus: nachwachsender Rohstoff und geniale Nutzpflanze
Authors: Rösemann Ulrich
Published: December 2018

Was zeichnet den Bambus aus? Nicht allein in der gärtnerischen Nutzung als Solitär, für Einfassungen und Hecken, sondern auch in der Kunst spielt der Bambus eine herausragende Rolle. Hinzu kommt, dass keine andere Pflanzenart einen so vielfältigen Anwendungsbereich hat.
A New Concept of a Porous Carbon Interlayer Impregnated with Sulfur for Long‐Life and High‐Energy LiS Batteries
Authors: Park Jong Won , Kang Jin Kyeong , Koh Jeong Yoon , Kim Seok , Jung Yongju
Published: December 2018

We present a new interlayer concept for the realization of high‐energy‐density LiS batteries. Disordered mesoporous carbons replicated by silica nanoparticles were partially filled with sulfur via a melt‐diffusion method. Sulfur‐impregnated disordered mesoporous carbon (DMC‐S) composites were used as an interlayer between a cathode and anode to provide additional active materials for a LiS cell. The LiS cell with the DMC‐S interlayer exhibited an approximately two‐fold increase in areal capacity compared with the control cell without an interlayer. DMC‐S composites offer the unique advantage of acting as a porous framework to accommodate active materials and suppress polysulfide diffusion. We propose that this new approach provides a viable path for the development of LiS batteries with a high‐energy density and excellent cycling stability.
Sustainable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Ghana: Exploring perceptions and participation in agriculture
Authors: Agyei‐Okyere Elvis , Nketsia William , Opoku Maxwell Peprah , Torgbenu Eric Lawer , Alupo Beatrice Atim , Odame Lois
Published: December 2018

Unemployment and the corollary of poverty among persons with disabilities have been well explored in the literature. As part of its global efforts to eradicate poverty, the United Nations, through its sustainable development goals, has urged countries to create economic opportunities for all persons to participate in income‐generating activities. In Ghana, agriculture has been described as the backbone of the economy and the main source of employment and livelihood for many. However, it appears that policymakers are yet to explore how agriculture could create sustainable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. This study makes a major contribution to research on the eradication of poverty among persons with disabilities by exploring their participation and experiences in agriculture‐related activities. One‐on‐one interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 19 persons with disabilities from three communities in a district in Ghana. A recurrent theme was that agriculture was a way through which the Ghanaian government could create employment for persons with disabilities. However, the participants recounted formidable barriers that affect their participation in agriculture: lack of land, funds and farming tools, and negative attitudes. These findings highlight the need for policymakers to engage with persons with disabilities to identify possible ways to assist their participation in agriculture.
Specific serine residues of Msn2/4 are responsible for regulation of alcohol fermentation rates and ethanol resistance
Authors: Vamvakas Sotirios–Spyridon , Kapolos John , Farmakis Lambros , Genneos Fotios , Damianaki Maria‐Eleni , Chouli Xenia , Vardakou Aggeliki , Liosi Sofia , Stavropoulou Evgenia , Leivaditi Eleftheria , Fragki Marianthi , Labrakou Elina , Gashi Eleni‐Giselda , Demoli Dimitra
Published: December 2018

Despite the fact that Saccharomyces cerevisiae has suicide tendencies since its product affects cell function, it is a key player in alcoholic fermentation. The presence of ethanol in the medium affects membrane integrity and fluidity, as well as the rate of ethanol production. The Msn2/4p transcription factors are key regulators in stress response and play a critical role in cell response to ethanol challenge. Protein kinase A (tpk1/2/3) is controlling the activation/inactivation of a multitude of proteins through phosphorylation at specific serine residues. Targets of Protein Kinase A (PKA) are also msn2/4 and phosphorylation of these two transcription factors by PKA resulting in obstruction of their translocation to the nucleus. This work attempts to reveal the significance of specific serine residues of Msn2/4p, as possible targets of PKA, through substitution of these serine residues with alanine. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2759, 2019.
Facing social fears: How do improved participants experience change in mindfulness‐based stress reduction for social anxiety disorder?
Authors: Hjeltnes Aslak , Moltu Christian , Schanche Elisabeth , Jansen Ylva , Binder Per‐Einar
Published: December 2018

Background

Clinical trials indicate that mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) may be effective for social anxiety disorder (SAD), but little is known about how young adults with SAD experience this intervention.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to explore how improved participants experience the process of change in MBSR for SAD.

Method

We used a two‐staged mixed methods design to identify participants with reliable and clinically significant improvement on primary outcome measures after an eight‐week MBSR programme (n = 11), and analyse qualitative interviews to explore how they experienced their own process of change. The interviews were analysed using a hermeneutic‐phenomenological thematic analysis.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed five main themes: (1) Using awareness of the body to sense that you are actually here right now, (2) Establishing a space that enables you to see negative thoughts for what they are, (3) Allowing fear and shyness through sustained awareness of physical sensations, (4) Transforming an experience of being inferior with kindness and self‐acceptance, and (5) Discovering new ways of engaging with other people.

Conclusions

Participants described increased awareness and acceptance of sensations, thoughts and feelings, as well as greater self‐acceptance and improved interpersonal relationships during the MBSR programme. Future studies are needed to understand how and why individuals change in mindfulness‐based interventions for SAD.
The Southern Scholarship Foundation's Rent‐Free Housing Program
Authors: Caton Jazmin M. , Moro Bárbara María , Turner Teresa , Woodin Shawn
Published: December 2018

Housing insecurity and homelessness is an ever‐increasing issue within higher education. In this chapter, the authors highlight the ways that one program is responding to students’ needs.
In‐hospital outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair with Mitraclip in patients with pulmonary hypertension: Insights from the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Ahmed Abdelrahman , Akintoye Emmanuel , Adegbala Oluwole , Yassin Ahmed , Subahi Ahmed , Bangura Lamin , Abubakar Hossam , Elder Mahir , Shokr Mohamed , Afonso Luis
Published: December 2018

Background

Periprocedural outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) with Mitraclip in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are not well studied.

Methods

Patients who underwent TMVR with Mitraclip between 2011 and 2015 were identified using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). All missing variables were excluded from the analysis and therefore, complete case analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 1,037 patients underwent TMVR with Mitraclip between 2011 and 2015. The prevalence of PH in these patients was 32.6%. In‐hospital outcomes were compared between PH group and non‐PH group. Inpatient mortality after TMVR was similar between the two groups (3.2% vs. 2.1%, OR 1.57, P = 0.335). There was no statistical significance between the two groups in the rates of hemorrhage requiring transfusion (8.5% vs. 7.2%, OR 1.17, P = 0.587), cardiogenic shock (4.4% vs. 4.5%, OR 0.98, P = 0.951), acute respiratory failure (15.2% vs. 13.1%, OR 1.23, P = 0.460), postoperative sepsis (2.75% vs. 3.9%, OR 0.66, P = 0.340), postoperative deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (2.7% vs. 3.9%, OR 1.98, P = 0.348). In addition, non‐routine home discharge, median hospital cost and length of stay were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

Pre‐existing PH in patients undergoing TMVR with Mitraclip does not adversely affect in‐hospital outcomes in this cohort of patients. Therefore, PH does not carry a prohibitive risk in selecting patients for Mitraclip procedure.
Olefin Polymerization Reactivity of Group 4 Post‐Metallocene Catalysts Bearing a Four‐Membered C(sp3)‐Donor Chelate Ring
Authors: Liu Cham‐Chuen , Liu Qian , Lo Po‐Kam , Lau Kai‐Chung , Yiu Shek‐Man , Chan Michael C. W.
Published: December 2018

The synthesis, spectroscopic and structural characterization, and olefin polymerization behavior of a family of pyridine‐2‐phenolate‐6‐arylmethine [O,N,CH(Ar)] Group 4 catalysts bearing a four‐membered N,C(sp3)‐donor metallacycle are described. The racemic [O,N,CH(Ar)] complexes adopt C1 symmetry, as confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. Advanced NMR experiments have been conducted to probe for possible C−H⋅⋅⋅F−C interactions within fluorinated derivatives. Use of a bis‐pyridyl ligand (Ar=py) resulted in the formation of C2v‐symmetric [O,NCHN] complexes containing a six‐membered partially delocalized N,N‐donor chelate. All complexes have been evaluated as ethylene polymerization catalysts. Notably, the Ti derivatives in conjunction with [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4]/iBu3Al display excellent catalytic efficiencies (TOF over 4×105 h−1 [atm C2H4]−1) at 22 °C, and are considerably more active than previously reported Ti−[O,N,C(σ‐aryl)] relatives. DFT calculations have been performed to gain insights into catalytic behavior. These studies indicate that although the ethylene assimilation process (comprising initial ethylene insertion into the Ti−C(methine) bond of the four‐membered chelate) is accessible, there exists a kinetic preference for normal chain propagation for some catalysts. The DFT results for the Ti−[O,N,CH(Ar)] (Ar=Ph) catalyst are consistent with the narrow molecular weight distributions of the polymers produced (Mw/Mn down to 2.2), suggesting close to single‐site character.
The Taming of Redox‐Labile Phosphidotitanocene Cations
Authors: Normand Adrien T. , Bonnin Quentin , Brandès Stéphane , Richard Philippe , Fleurat‐Lessard Paul , Devillers Charles H. , Balan Cédric , Le Gendre Pierre , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: December 2018

Tame d0 phosphidotitanocene cations stabilized with a pendant tertiary phosphane arm are reported. These compounds were obtained by one‐electron oxidation of d1 precursors with [Cp2Fe][BPh4]. The electronic structure of these compounds was studied experimentally (EPR, UV/Vis, and NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis) and through DFT calculations. The theoretical analysis of the bonding situation by using the electron localization function (ELF) shows the presence of π‐interactions between the phosphido ligand and Ti in the d0 complexes, whereas dπ–pπ repulsion prevents such interactions in the d1 complexes. In addition, CH–π interactions were observed in several complexes, both in solution and in the solid state, between the phosphido ligand and the phosphane arm. The d0 complexes were found to be light sensitive, and decompose through Ti−P bond homolysis to give TiIII species. A naked d0 phosphidotitanocene cation has been trapped by reaction with diphenylacetylene, yielding a Ti/P frustrated Lewis pair (FLP), which was found to be less reactive than a previously reported Zr analog.
Deliqueszenz und Effloreszenz hygroskopischer Salzpartikeln in Partikel‐Wand‐ und Partikel‐Partikel‐Kontakten
Authors: Horst David , Zhang Qian , Schmidt Eberhard
Published: December 2018

Bei der Staubabscheidung mit Oberflächenfiltern sind die Haftbindungen an Partikelkontakten von großer Bedeutung. Die Deliqueszenz und Effloreszenz hygroskopischer Salzpartikeln kann die Haftbindungen an Partikelkontakten mit solchen Salzpartikeln signifikant beeinflussen. Zur Untersuchung dieser Phänomene wurden daher verschiedene Arten von Partikelkontakten durch Abscheidung von Salzaerosolen auf filternden Kollektoren erzeugt und anschließend in der Kammer eines Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope während der feuchteinduzierten Deliqueszenz und Effloreszenz observiert.
(R)Evolution aus dem Labor
Authors: Welter Kira
Published: December 2018

Den Nobelpreis für Chemie 2018 teilen sich drei Forscher, die die Prinzipien der natürlichen Evolution nutzten, um maßgeschneiderte Enzyme und Antikörper zu entwickeln. Der US‐Amerikanerin Frances H. Arnold gelang es, das Konzept der gerichteten Evolution, wodurch Enzyme mit gewünschten Eigenschaften produziert werden können, zu verallgemeinern. Heute können passende Enzyme für die Herstellung der verschiedensten Produkte – von Arzneien über Waschmitteln bis hin zu Biosprit – im Labor erzeugt werden. George P. Smith entwickelte eine weitere Methode, die „Phagen‐Display“ heißt, und Sir Gregory P. Winter kombinierte diese mit den Prinzipien der gerichteten Evolution, um bestimmte Antikörper zu produzieren. Mithilfe dieses Verfahrens können neue Medikamente hergestellt werden, die gegen Autoimmunkrankheiten oder Krebs wirken. Für ihre (r)evolutionäre Arbeit werden die drei Wissenschaftler nun mit der höchsten Auszeichnung in der Chemie geehrt.
Wieso explodieren Alkalimetalle in Wasser wirklich?
Authors: Litzius Kai
Published: December 2018

Es ist eines der bekanntesten Schul‐Experimente und direkt aus dem Lehrbuch: Die Reaktion von Alkalimetallen mit Wasser. Dabei entstehen nennenswerte Mengen an Wasserstoff, der sich in der stark exothermen Reaktion entzünden und somit explodieren kann – so zumindest die übliche Lehrmeinung. Aber etwas ist merkwürdig an dieser Argumentation: Zum einen müsste demnach bei vollständigem Eintauchen des Metalls die Explosion ausbleiben, da kein Sauerstoff zur Verfügung steht, um den Wasserstoff zu entzünden. Zum anderen ist es verwunderlich, dass die fest‐flüssig‐Grenzfläche der heterogenen Reaktion von Feststoff und Flüssigkeit ausreichend Kontaktfläche erzeugt, um die Explosion anzutreiben. Dass das entstehende Gas die Edukte trennt und die Reaktion eher stoppt, kommt hier nur noch erschwerend hinzu.
Design and implementing Big Data system for cardiovascular data
Authors: Tung Nguyen Thanh , Duc Nguyen Huu
Published: December 2018

Thus far, medical data have been used to serve the need of people's healthcare. In some countries, in recent years, a lot of hospitals have altered the conventional paper medical records into electronic health records. The data in these records grow continuously in real time, which generates a large number of medical data available for physicians, researchers, and patients in need. Systems of electronic health records share a common feature that they are all constituted from open sources for Big Data with distributed structure in order to collect, store, exploit, and use medical data to track down, prevent, treat human's diseases, and even forecast dangerous epidemics.
Task‐Specific Catalyst Development for Lignin‐First Biorefinery toward Hemicellulose Retention or Feedstock Extension
Authors: Qiu Shi , Guo Xuan , Huang Yong , Fang Yunming , Tan Tianwei
Published: December 2018

A catalytic reductive fractionation method for lignocellulosic biomass, termed lignin‐first biorefinery, has emerged, which emphasises preferential depolymerization of the protolignin. However, in most studies, the lignin‐first biorefinery is only effective for hardwood that has a high syringyl/guaiacol (S/G) ratio of lignin building blocks, and the degradation of hemicellulose also takes place simultaneously to a certain degree. In this study, two task‐specific catalysts were developed to realize hemicellulose retention and feedstock extension through the development of an objective performance–structure relationship. It is found that MoxC/carbon nanotube (CNT) is highly selective in the cleavage of bonds between carbohydrates and lignin and ether bonds in lignin during the catalytic reductive fractionation of hardwood, leading to a carbohydrate (both cellulose and hemicellulose) retention degree in the solid product close to the theoretical maximum and a delignification degree as high as 98.1 %. Ru/CMK‐3 is demonstrated to be effective in the catalytic reductive fractionation of softwood and grass, resulting from its weak acidity and high mesoporosity.
Automatic Classification of Label‐Free Cells from Small Cell Lung Cancer and Poorly Differentiated Lung Adenocarcinoma with 2D Light Scattering Static Cytometry and Machine Learning
Authors: Wei Haifeng , Xie Linyan , Liu Qiao , Shao Changshun , Wang Ximing , Su Xuantao
Published: December 2018

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) needs to be classified from poorly differentiated lung adenocarcinoma (PDLAC) for appropriate treatment of lung cancer patients. Currently, the classification is achieved by experienced clinicians, radiologists and pathologists based on subjective and qualitative analysis of imaging, cytological and immunohistochemical (IHC) features. Label‐free classification of lung cancer cell lines is developed here by using two‐dimensional (2D) light scattering static cytometric technique. Measurements of scattered light at forward scattering (FSC) and side scattering (SSC) by using conventional cytometry show that SCLC cells are overlapped with PDLAC cells. However, our 2D light scattering static cytometer reveals remarkable differences between the 2D light scattering patterns of SCLC cell lines (H209 and H69) and PDLAC cell line (SK‐LU‐1). By adopting support vector machine (SVM) classifier with leave‐one‐out cross‐validation (LOO‐CV), SCLC and PDLAC cells are automatically classified with an accuracy of 99.87%. Our label‐free 2D light scattering static cytometer may serve as a new, accurate, and easy‐to‐use method for the automatic classification of SCLC and PDLAC cells. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Monitoring eating and activity: Links with disordered eating, compulsive exercise, and general wellbeing among young adults
Authors: Plateau Carolyn R. , Bone Sarah , Lanning Emily , Meyer Caroline
Published: December 2018

Objective

To explore the relationships between the use of food intake and activity monitoring tools with compulsive exercise, eating psychopathology, and psychological wellbeing.

Method

Participants (N = 352; mean age 21.90 years) indicated their use of activity and food intake monitoring tools, and completed the Compulsive Exercise Test (CET), Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q), and the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS).

Results

Users of monitoring tools reported significantly higher CET and EDE‐Q scores than nonusers. Positive associations were detected between the frequency of activity monitoring tool use with CET and EDE‐Q scores. Participants who reported using monitoring tools primarily to manage weight and shape reported higher levels of eating and compulsive exercise psychopathology than those who reported using tools to improve health and fitness.

Discussion

Features of compulsive exercise and eating psychopathology are elevated among users of food intake and activity monitoring tools; and particularly among those who report using the tools for weight and shape purposes. Longitudinal and experimental research is needed to further our understanding of these observed associations, and specifically to explore the prospective relationships between monitoring tool use, eating psychopathology, and compulsive exercise.
Amylin, a peptide expressed by nociceptors, modulates chronic neuropathic pain
Authors: Almeida Lígia Sofia , Castro‐Lopes José Manuel , Neto Fani Lourença , Potes Catarina Soares
Published: December 2018

Background

Amylin is a calcitonin gene‐related peptide family member expressed by nociceptors. Amylin's expression is down‐regulated following nerve damage, and studies suggested it affects nociception. We aimed at clarifying amylin's effects on chronic neuropathic pain and investigating its site of action.

Methods

Chronic neuropathic pain was induced in rats by spared nerve injury (SNI) surgery. Mechanical allodynia/hyperalgesia and cold allodynia/hyperalgesia were assessed by the von Frey, pinprick, acetone and cold plate behavioural tests, respectively. Amylin, amylin‐receptor antagonist (AC187) or vehicle solutions were delivered chronically, by a subcutaneous (SC) mini‐osmotic pump, or acutely, by SC or intrathecal (IT) injections. Cellular and fibre markers were used to detect spinal cord alterations in SNI rats after chronic amylin administration.

Results

Continuous subcutaneous amylin administration aggravated cold allodynia in SNI animals, possibly via amylin‐receptors (AmyR) in supraspinal areas. Acute intrathecal administration of amylin attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia, whereas AC187 reduced mechanical allodynia, suggesting distinct roles of endogenous amylin and of pharmacological amylin doses when targeting spinal cord amylin receptors. Chronic amylin administration promoted c‐Fos activation only in the dorsal horn neurons of SHAM animals, suggesting a distinctive role of amylin in the activation of the spinal neuronal circuitry under neuropathic and physiological conditions. ERK1/2 phosphorylation increased in the dorsal horn neurons of SNI rats chronically treated with amylin. This ERK1/2 cascade activation may be related to amylin's effect on the aggravation of cold allodynia in SNI rats.

Conclusions

Amylin's nociceptive effects seem to depend on the treatment duration and route of administration by acting at different levels of the nervous system.

Significance

Amylin modulated neuropathic pain by acting at different levels of the nervous system. Whereas supraspinal areas may be involved in amylin's induced pronociception, modulation of spinal cord amylin receptors by endogenous or pharmacological amylin doses triggers both pro‐ and antinociceptive effects.
Amyloid precursor protein and amyloid precursor‐like protein 2 have distinct roles in modulating myelination, demyelination, and remyelination of axons
Authors: Truong Phan H. , Ciccotosto Giuseppe D. , Merson Tobias D. , Spoerri Loredana , Chuei Mun Joo , Ayers Margaret , Xing Yao Lulu , Emery Ben , Cappai Roberto
Published: December 2018

The identification of factors that regulate myelination provides important insight into the molecular mechanisms that coordinate nervous system development and myelin regeneration after injury. In this study, we investigated the role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its paralogue amyloid precursor‐like protein 2 (APLP2) in myelination using APP and APLP2 knockout (KO) mice. Given that BACE1 regulates myelination and myelin sheath thickness in both the peripheral and central nervous systems, we sought to determine if APP and APLP2, as alternate BACE1 substrates, also modulate myelination, and therefore provide a better understanding of the events regulating axonal myelination. In the peripheral nervous system, we identified that adult, but not juvenile KO mice, have lower densities of myelinated axons in their sciatic nerves while in the central nervous system, axons within both the optic nerves and corpus callosum of both KO mice were significantly hypomyelinated compared to wild‐type (WT) controls. Biochemical analysis demonstrated significant increases in BACE1 and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and decreased NRG1 and proteolipid protein levels in both KO brain tissue. The acute cuprizone model of demyelination/remyelination revealed that whereas axons in the corpus callosum of WT and APLP2‐KO mice underwent similar degrees of demyelination and subsequent remyelination, the myelinated callosal axons in APP‐KO mice were less susceptible to cuprizone‐induced demyelination and showed a failure in remyelination after cuprizone withdrawal. These data identified APP and APLP2 as modulators of normal myelination and demyelination/remyelination conditions. Deletion of APP and APLP2 identifies novel interplays between the BACE1 substrates in the regulation of myelination.
Thermal performance enhancement of melting and solidification process of phase‐change material in triplex tube heat exchanger using longitudinal fins
Authors: Patel Jay R. , Rathod Manish K.
Published: December 2018

Efficient application of intermittent renewable energy sources, like solar, waste heat recovery, and so forth, depends on a large extent on the thermal energy storage methods. Latent heat energy storage with the use of phase‐change material (PCM) is the most promising one because it stores large energy in the form of latent heat at a constant temperature. The current study investigates melting and solidification of PCM in the triplex tube heat exchanger (TTHX) numerically. The two‐dimensional numerical model has been developed using Ansys Fluent 16.2, which considers the effects of conduction as well as natural convection. To overcome the limitation imposed by the poor thermal conductivity of PCM, use of fins is the better solution. In the current study, longitudinal fins are used for better performance of TTHX, which increases heat‐transfer area between PCM and heat‐transfer fluid. The effects of location of fins, that is, internal, external, and combined internal‐external fins, are observed. All three configurations improve melting as well as solidification process. During the melting process, internal and combined internal‐external fins are equally efficient, in which maximum 59% to 60% reduction in melting time is achieved. For solidification, internal‐external fins combination gives maximum 58% reduction in solidification time.
Experimental and numerical study on heat transfer and flow characteristics in an alternating cross‐section flattened tube
Authors: Rukruang Amawasee , Chimres Nares , Kaew‐On Jatuporn , Wongwises Somchai
Published: December 2018

An experimental and numerical study on convection heat transfer of water flowing through an alternating cross‐section flattened (ACF) tube are investigated in this paper. The thermal‐fluid characteristics were evaluated by numerical simulation. The test run conditions covered a mass flux of 200 to 800 kg m−2 s−1, a heat flux of 10 kW/m2, and an inlet temperature of 40°C. The results showed that the Nusselt number increased with the increase in mass flux. Moreover, the heat transfer was also affected by the flow characteristics. Vortices were formed at the curved wall, and their intensities were increased along the flow direction. It was also found that the heat transfer and pressure drop were larger than that of the circular tube. However, the thermal performance was greater than the pressure loss penalty. The comparison results showed that the ACF tube had better performance than the circular tube. Further, the details of heat transfer, flow resistance, and fluid behavior were investigated and discussed in this study.
Long‐term streamflow trends in Hawai'i and implications for native stream fauna
Authors: Clilverd Hannah M. , Tsang Yin‐Phan , Infante Dana M. , Lynch Abigail J. , Strauch Ayron M.
Published: December 2018

Climate change has fundamentally altered the water cycle in tropical islands, which is a critical driver of freshwater ecosystems. To examine how changes in streamflow regime have impacted habitat quality for native migratory aquatic species, we present a 50‐year (1967–2016) analysis of hydrologic records in 23 unregulated streams across the five largest Hawaiian Islands. For each stream, flow was separated into direct run‐off and baseflow and high‐ and low‐flow statistics (i.e., Q10 and Q90) with ecologically important hydrologic indices (e.g., frequency of flooding and low flow duration) derived. Using Mann–Kendall tests with a running trend analysis, we determined the persistence of streamflow trends through time. We analysed native stream fauna from ~400 sites, sampled from 1992 to 2007, to assess species richness among islands and streams. Declines in streamflow metrics indicated a general drying across the islands. In particular, significant declines in low flow conditions (baseflows), were experienced in 57% of streams, compared with a significant decline in storm flow conditions for 22% of streams. The running trend analysis indicated that many of the significant downward trends were not persistent through time but were only significant if recent decades (1987–2016) were included, with an average decline in baseflow and run‐off of 10.90% and 8.28% per decade, respectively. Streams that supported higher native species diversity were associated with moderate discharge and baseflow index, short duration of low flows, and negligible downward trends in flow. A significant decline in dry season flows (May–October) has led to an increase in the number of no‐flow days in drier areas, indicating that more streams may become intermittent, which has important implications for mauka to makai (mountain to ocean) hydrological connectivity and management of Hawai'i's native migratory freshwater fauna.
3D bioprinting of hydrogel‐based biomimetic microenvironments
Authors: Luo Yongxiang , Wei Xiaoyue , Huang Peng
Published: December 2018

Three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a promising technology to produce cell‐laden constructs via patterning living cells, biological factors and biomaterials in a precisely controlled manner. However, it is still a challenge to fabricate human tissues/organs with biological functions for clinical application via 3D bioprinting. Several key issues should be carefully addressed to overcome this challenge, specifically the construction of biomimetic microenvironments. 3D printing has been broadly demonstrated the ability to create structures mimicking native tissues, while it also has the capability to produce biomimetic microenvironments. Therefore, this review will give an overview of the current advances in the art of building and controlling hydrogel‐based biomimetic microenvironments in cells‐laden 3D bioprinting, which are classified by their physical, chemical, and biological features. In the end, we will elaborate the outlook of 3D bioprinting of biomimetic microenvironment. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1695–1705, 2019.
Periprosthetic hypoxia as consequence of TRPM7 mediated cobalt influx in osteoblasts
Authors: Römmelt Constantin , Munsch Thomas , Drynda Andreas , Lessmann Volkmar , Lohmann Christoph H. , Bertrand Jessica
Published: December 2018

The reasons for the high number of loosened metal‐on‐metal (MoM) hip implants are still not fully understood. Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) mediated signaling pathways, which normally modulate tissue metabolism under hypoxic circumstances, could be triggered by metallic wear debris and influence bone metabolism favoring osteolysis. This may lead to early loosening of the orthopedic implants. Immunhistochemical staining of periprosthetic tissues of failed artificial hip implants showed that the concentration of HIF‐1α in the surrounding tissues of failed MoM hip implants was significantly higher in comparison to failed metal‐on‐polyethylene (MoP) hip implants and osteoarthritic tissues. Therefore, we examined the Co2+‐uptake mechanisms and the influence of Co2+ uptake on HIF‐1α stabilization. Based on cobalt mediated quenching effects, calcium imaging experiments using fura‐2 showed a concentration‐dependent cobalt influx in MG‐63 cells, which could be inhibited by the unspecific TRPM7 channel inhibitor 2‐APB (20 μM) and TRPM7 specific siRNA. Western blots confirmed a dose dependent increase of HIF‐1α upon stimulation with Co2+. This effect could be abrogated by inhibition of cobalt influx using 2‐APB. This study shows that chemical hypoxia originating from HIF‐1α upregulation within the periprosthetic tissue is related to cobalt wear debris and highlights TRPM7 as an important key mediator in this context. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1806–1813, 2019.
The size‐Ramsey number of powers of paths
Authors: Clemens Dennis , Jenssen Matthew , Kohayakawa Yoshiharu , Morrison Natasha , Mota Guilherme Oliveira , Reding Damian , Roberts Barnaby
Published: December 2018

Given graphs and and a positive integer , say that is ‐Ramsey for , denoted , if every ‐coloring of the edges of contains a monochromatic copy of . The size‐Ramsey number of a graph is defined to be . Answering a question of Conlon, we prove that, for every fixed , we have , where is the th power of the ‐vertex path (ie, the graph with vertex set and all edges such that the distance between and in is at most ). Our proof is probabilistic, but can also be made constructive.
4‐Chlorothiazole‐5‐carbaldehydes as Potent Precursors for Synthesis of Some New Pendant N‐heterocyces Endowed with Anti‐Tumor Activity
Authors: El Azab Islam H. , Gobouri Adil A. , Altalhi Tariq A.
Published: December 2018

In our approach to synthesize bioactive molecules, a series of novel N‐heterocycles were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antitumor activity against a panel of three human cancer cell lines, namely, human breast cancer cell line (MCF‐7), human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), and human prostate cancer PC‐3. The majority of the tested compounds exhibited significant cytotoxic activity toward the tested tumor cell lines. Analogues 33, 34, 31, 38, 21, 23, 22, and 20 exhibited considerable cytotoxic activities comparable with standard drug 5‐fuorouracil. Compound 33 displayed superior cytotoxicity with IC50 value of 4.12 ± 1.21 μg/mL against HeLa tumor cell line.
Methyl Ester Sulfonate: A High‐Performance Surfactant Capable of Reducing Builders Dosage in Detergents
Authors: Lim Yee Seng , Baharudin Nur Bazlina , Ung Yee Wei
Published: December 2018

The detergency performance of α‐sulfo fatty‐methyl ester sulfonate (α‐MES) under different water hardness conditions was compared against the dominant workhorse in Home Care products, linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS). Results demonstrate that α‐MES has a higher soil removal index and its detergency performance is not drastically affected by water hardness, compared to that of LAS. The addition of α‐MES to LAS also shows an improved cleaning performance and better water hardness resistance, due to the structural characteristics of α‐MES, which allow the molecules to be relatively insensitive toward polyvalent ions such as Ca2+ and Mg2+. The washing performance of α‐MES, α‐MES/LAS, and LAS with different builders at various dosages was studied, and the results indicated that the dosage of builders in the detergent product could be reduced up to 33% with the application of α‐MES, while the detergency is not sacrificed.
One‐step nucleic acid amplification vs ultrastaging in the detection of sentinel lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer patients
Authors: Kosťun Jan , Pešta Martin , Sláma Jiří , Slunéčko Robert , Vlasák Pavel , Bouda Jiří , Novotný Zdeněk , Topolčan Ondřej , Kučera Radek , Kulda Vlastimil , Houfková Kateřina , Berezovskiy Denis , Bartáková Alena , Presl Jiří
Published: December 2018

Background and Objectives

Utilisation of the one‐step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) molecular biology method for the detection of the metastatic involvement of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in endometrial cancer (EC) patients. A comparison with histopathological ultrastaging and a description of the clinical consequences.

Methods

Surgically treated EC patients underwent detection of SLNs. Nodes greater than 5 mm were cut into sections 2‐mm thick parallel to the short axis of the node. Odd sections were examined according to the OSNA method, while even ones according to an appropriate ultrastaging protocol. Nodes less than or equal to 5 mm were cut into halves along the longitudinal axis with one half examined according to the OSNA method and the other half by ultrastaging.

Results

Fifty‐eight patients were included and 135 SLNs were acquired. Both ultrastaging and OSNA agreed on 116 results. According to the OSNA method, 20.69% more patients were classified into International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III. When comparing the results of the OSNA method to the conclusions of ultrastaging as a reference method, sensitivity of 90.9%, specificity of 85.5% and concordance of 85.9% were attained.

Conclusions

The results of the OSNA method showed a higher frequency of detection of micrometastases and included 20.69% more patients into FIGO stage III.
The Global academic research organization network: Data sharing to cure diseases and enable learning health systems
Authors: Fukushima Masanori , Austin Christopher , Sato Norihiro , Maruyama Tatsuya , Navarro Eileen , Rocca Mitra , Demotes Jacques , Haendel Melissa , Volchenboum Samuel L. , Cowperthwaite Matthew , Silverstein Jonathan C. , Webb Chris , Sim Ida , Chase Marianne , Speakman John , Augustine Erika , Ford Daniel E. , Kush Rebecca
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Global data sharing is essential. This is the premise of the Academic Research Organization (ARO) Council, which was initiated in Japan in 2013 and has since been expanding throughout Asia and into Europe and the United States. The volume of data is growing exponentially, providing not only challenges but also the clear opportunity to understand and treat diseases in ways not previously considered. Harnessing the knowledge within the data in a successful way can provide researchers and clinicians with new ideas for therapies while avoiding repeats of failed experiments. This knowledge transfer from research into clinical care is at the heart of a learning health system.

Methods

The ARO Council wishes to form a worldwide complementary system for the benefit of all patients and investigators, catalyzing more efficient and innovative medical research processes. Thus, they have organized Global ARO Network Workshops to bring interested parties together, focusing on the aspects necessary to make such a global effort successful. One such workshop was held in Austin, Texas, in November 2017. Representatives from Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Europe, and the United States reported on their efforts to encourage data sharing and to use research to inform care through learning health systems.

Results

This experience report summarizes presentations and discussions at the Global ARO Network Workshop held in November 2017 in Austin, TX, with representatives from Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Europe, and the United States. Themes and recommendations to progress their efforts are explored. Standardization and harmonization are at the heart of these discussions to enable data sharing. In addition, the transformation of clinical research processes through disruptive innovation, while ensuring integrity and ethics, will be key to achieving the ARO Council goal to overcome diseases such that people not only live longer but also are healthier and happier as they age.

Conclusions

The achievement of global learning health systems will require further exploration, consensus‐building, funding aligned with incentives for data sharing, standardization, harmonization, and actions that support global interests for the benefit of patients.
NAMI: Arkansas' work rules trigger health coverage losses, poor outcomes
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2018

The federal government's Medicaid work requirements that make employment a condition of eligibility for Medicaid coverage continue to stir up controversy, more recently in Arkansas, which has cut more than 12,000 individuals from the program as a result of not meeting federal work reporting requirements. Mental health advocates are challenging the rule and filed an amicus brief in a Washington, D.C., federal court last month.
Animal intervention shows promise in children with stress
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2018

Animal‐assisted activities represent a promising type of intervention to bridge the gap between children in need of mental health services and those receiving treatment, say Yale researchers of a new study that found that interaction with therapy dogs helped improve children's mood and reduced anxiety.
Feasibility of pedicled vascularized inguinal lymph node transfer in a mouse model: A preliminary study
Authors: Ishikawa Kosuke , Maeda Taku , Funayama Emi , Hayashi Toshihiko , Murao Naoki , Osawa Masayuki , Furukawa Hiroshi , Oyama Akihiko , Yamamoto Yuhei
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Vascularized lymph node transfer is becoming more common in the treatment of lymphedema, but suitable small animal models for research are lacking. Here, we evaluated the feasibility of pedicled vascularized inguinal lymph node transfer in mice.

Methods

Twenty‐five mice were used in the study. An inguinal lymph node‐bearing flap with a vascular pedicle containing the superficial caudal epigastric vessels was transferred into the ipsilateral popliteal fossa after excision of the popliteal lymph node. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography was used to confirm vascularity of the flap. ICG lymphography was performed to evaluate lymphatic flow at 3 and 4 weeks postoperatively. Patent blue dye was injected into the ipsilateral hind paw to observe staining of the transferred lymph node at 4 weeks postoperatively. All transferred lymph nodes were then harvested and histologically evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

In 16 of the 25 mice, ICG lymphography showed reconnection between the transferred lymph node and the afferent lymphatic vessels, as confirmed by patent blue staining. Histologically, these transferred lymph nodes with afferent lymphatic reconnection significantly regressed in size (0.37 ± 0.24 mm2) and showed clear follicle formation, whereas those without afferent lymphatic reconnection showed less size regression (1.31 ± 1.17 mm2); the cell population was too dense to allow identification of follicles.

Conclusions

We established a mouse model of vascularized lymph node transfer with predictable afferent lymphatic reconnection. Both the vascularization and reconnection might be necessary for functional regeneration of the transferred lymph node.
Compact high gain UWB antenna using fractal geometry and UWB‐AMC
Authors: Dwivedi Ravi Prakash , Kommuri Usha Kiran
Published: December 2018

A miniaturized fractal antenna using Coplanar Wave Guide (CPW) fed and ultrawideband (UWB)‐artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) for ultra wideband and Active integrated application is designed and presented. This antenna covers frequency range from 2.5 to 10 GHz with ultrabandwidth of 7.5GHz and return loss well below −10 dB over the entire band of application. The antenna has an average gain of 3.35 dB without AMC and 7.7 dBi with UWB‐AMC. Physical dimension of the proposed antenna is (27 × 28 mm × 1.6) mm3 and for UWB‐AMC is (40 × 40 × 1.6) mm3. Complet set of UWB‐antenna and A.MC‐ is fabricated using FR.‐4 substrate with εr = 4.4, d = 0.0001and thickness (h) = 1.6 mm. Ansys HFSS Tool is used to analyze and optimize the parameters of antenna and UWB‐AMC. Vector Network Analyzer is used to validate the experimental result with simulation parameter of proposedantenna.
Stacked microstrip patch antenna design for ISM band applications with 3D‐printing technology
Authors: Belen Mehmet A.
Published: December 2018

With the advances in the 3Dprinting technology these technologies are being used in many fields for fast and low‐cost prototyping procceses. One of the commonoly used applications is manufacturing of microwave circuits. Herein, design and realization of stacked microstrip patch array (SMPA) antenna for ISM band application with 3D‐printing technology is presented. Firstly design of a SMPA antenna consist of a patch fed by a microstrip line and a staced patch array 2×2 rectangular patch is studied for ISM band applications. Next, the antenna is fabricated by using a 3D printer. From the experiment results it can be concluded that 3D‐printed antenna has good performance, within the operation band with a good return loss performance of <–10 dB and a moderate gain of 11 dBi. Thus, in this work an efficient prototyping method had been proposed for low‐cost, high‐accuracy, and fast prototyping of microwave antennas by using 3D‐printer.