bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Fate of Pharmaceuticals in a Fourth‐Order River Under Competing Assumptions of Transient Storage
Authors: Liu Y. , Zarfl C. , Basu N. B. , Cirpka O. A.
Published: February 2020

Quantifying the degradation of micropollutants in streams is important for river‐water quality management. While biodegradation is believed to be enhanced in transient‐storage zones of rivers, it can also occur in the main channel. Photodegradation is restricted to the main channel and surface transient‐storage zones. In this study, we propose a transient‐storage model framework to address the transport and fate of micropollutants in different domains of a river. We fitted the model to nighttime and daytime measurements of a tracer and four pharmaceuticals in River Steinlach, Germany. We could separate the surface and subsurface fractions of the total transient‐storage zone by fitting fluorescein photodegradation at daytime versus conservative nighttime transport. In reactive transport, we tested two model variants, allowing biodegradation in the main channel or restricting it to the transient‐storage zones, obtaining similar model performances but different degradation rate coefficients. Carbamazepine is relatively conservative; photodegradation of metoprolol and venlafaxine can be quantitatively attributed to the main channel and surface transient‐storage zone; metoprolol, venlafaxine, and sulfamethoxazole undergo biodegradation. We projected a decrease of overall pollutant removal under higher flow conditions, regardless of attributing biodegradation to specific river compartments. Our study indicates that model‐based analysis of daytime and nighttime field experiments allows (1) distinguishing photodegradation and biodegradation, (2) reducing equifinality of surface and subsurface transient‐storage, and (3) estimating biodegradation in different domains under different assumptions. However, entirely reducing the equifinality of attributing biodegradation to different compartments is hardly possible in lowland rivers with only limited transient storage.
A Geostatistical Evolution Strategy for Subsurface Characterization: Theory and Validation Through Hypothetical Two‐Dimensional Hydraulic Conductivity Fields
Authors: Park Eungyu
Published: February 2020

A novel approach that uses the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy in conjunction with geostatistical covariance functions and simultaneous ensemble Kalman filters is introduced to characterize the hydraulic conductivity fields of aquifers. To verify the performance, several similarity measures between the target and estimated fields are used, including the correlation coefficient, least absolute deviation, least squares, and cross‐variance ratio. Three different cases are synthesized through validation with a small‐scale domain (40 × 40), in which the hydraulic conductivity fields are stationary, nonstationary, and stationary with reduced prior information. According to these applications, the developed approach produces excellent estimations whether the field is stationary or nonstationary when the conditioning information is sufficient. With limited conditioning information, the performance of the estimation is slightly but not significantly lower. To validate the scalability, the developed approach is applied to larger domains (100 × 100, 150 × 150, and 200 × 200), and a modified approach based on principal components is used. According to this analysis, the developed approach requires low computational cost by making predictions with a limited number of forward‐model runs and internal computations. Furthermore, the approach requires a small amount of prior information for the estimation. Based on these applications, this approach shows high potential to create cost‐effective estimates that can be used as a reference for the current state‐of‐the‐art geostatistical inversion approaches to improve subsurface characterization.
Microcystin-LR ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis via modulating CD206+ M2-like macrophage polarization
Authors: Wang Jie , Xu Lizhi , Xiang Zou , Ren Yan , Zheng Xiufen , Zhao Qingya , Zhou Qunzhi , Zhou Yuefen , Xu Lin , Wang Yaping
Published: February 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a group of chronic interstitial pulmonary diseases characterized by myofibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition with limited treatment options. Based on our previous observation, we hypothesized microcystin-leucine arginine (LR), an environmental cyanobacterial toxin, could potentially suppress pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we first demonstrated that chronic exposure of microcystin-LR by oral for weeks indeed attenuated the pulmonary fibrosis both on bleomycin-induced rat and fluorescein isothiocyanate-induced mouse models. Our data further indicated that treatment with microcystin-LR substantially reduced TGF-β1/Smad signaling in rat pulmonary tissues. The experiments in vitro found that microcystin-LR was capable of blocking epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast–myofibroblast transition (FMT) through suppressing the differentiation of CD206+ macrophages. Mechanically, microcystin-LR was found to bind to glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78) and suppress endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (UPRER) signaling pathways. These events led to the modulation of M2 polarization of macrophages, which eventually contributed to the alleviation of pulmonary fibrosis. Our results revealed a novel mechanism that may account for therapeutic effect of microcystin-LR on IPF.
Inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein 6 receptors ameliorates Sjögren’s syndrome in mice
Authors: Yin Hongen , Kalra Lovika , Lai Zhennan , Guimaro Maria C. , Aber Lauren , Warner Blake M. , Michael Drew , Zhang Nan , Cabrera-Perez Javier , Karim Arif , Swaim William D. , Afione Sandra , Voigt Alexandria , Nguyen Cuong Q. , Yu Paul B. , Bloch Donald B. , Chiorini John A.
Published: February 2020

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease, with only palliative treatments available. Recent work has suggested that increased bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) expression could alter cell signaling in the salivary gland (SG) and result in the associated salivary hypofunction. We examined the prevalence of elevated BMP6 expression in a large cohort of pSS patients and tested the therapeutic efficacy of BMP signaling inhibitors in two pSS animal models. Increased BMP6 expression was found in the SGs of 54% of pSS patients, and this increased expression was correlated with low unstimulated whole saliva flow rate. In mouse models of SS, inhibition of BMP6 signaling reduced phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8 in the mouse submandibular glands, and led to a recovery of SG function and a decrease in inflammatory markers in the mice. The recovery of SG function after inhibition of BMP6 signaling suggests cellular plasticity within the salivary gland and a possibility for therapeutic intervention that can reverse the loss of function in pSS.
The impact of colectomy on the risk of cardiovascular disease among patients without colorectal cancer
Authors: Wu Chin-Chia , Hsu Ta-Wen , Yeh Chia-Chou , Lee Cheng-Hung , Lin Mei-Chen , Chang Chun-Ming
Published: February 2020

Cardiometabolic disorders were discussed and might be changed by microbiota in recent years. Since the colon acts as the primary reservoir of microbiota, we designed the present study to explore the association between colectomy and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We identified a total of 18,424 patients who underwent colectomy between 2000–2012 for reasons other than colorectal cancer from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. Patients were matched with 18,424 patients without colectomy using a 1:1 propensity score by age, sex, and comorbidity. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to assess the risk of CVD. Patients with colectomy were found to be at lower risk of CVD (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.90–0.99) than patients without colectomy. Stratified analysis according to the type of surgery revealed patients who underwent cecectomy and right hemicolectomy were at lower risk of CVD (cecectomy: adjusted HR [aHR] = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.64–0.94; right hemicolectomy: aHR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.82–0.96). Patients who underwent left hemicolectomy were at higher risk of CVD (aHR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.08–1.32). Our results indicate that the different colectomy procedures influence the risk for the CVD differently.
Dissociation dynamics of the diamondoid adamantane upon photoionization by XUV femtosecond pulses
Authors: Maclot Sylvain , Lahl Jan , Peschel Jasper , Wikmark Hampus , Rudawski Piotr , Brunner Fabian , Coudert-Alteirac Hélène , Indrajith Suvasthika , Huber Bernd A. , Díaz-Tendero Sergio , Aguirre Néstor F. , Rousseau Patrick , Johnsson Per
Published: February 2020

This work presents a photodissociation study of the diamondoid adamantane using extreme ultraviolet femtosecond pulses. The fragmentation dynamics of the dication is unraveled by the use of advanced ion and electron spectroscopy giving access to the dissociation channels as well as their energetics. To get insight into the fragmentation dynamics, we use a theoretical approach combining potential energy surface determination, statistical fragmentation methods and molecular dynamics simulations. We demonstrate that the dissociation dynamics of adamantane dications takes place in a two-step process: barrierless cage opening followed by Coulomb repulsion-driven fragmentation.
Narciclasine improves outcome in sepsis among neonatal rats via inhibition of calprotectin and alleviating inflammatory responses
Authors: Kingsley Manoj Kumar , Bhat Ballambattu Vishnu , Badhe Bhawana Ashok , Dhas Benet Bosco , Parija Subhash Chandra
Published: February 2020

Sepsis is associated with exacerbated inflammatory response which subsequently results in multiple organ dysfunction. Sepsis accounts for high mortality and morbidity among newborns worldwide. Narciclasine is a plant alkaloid which has shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. In this study we investigated the effect and mechanism of action of narciclasine in neonatal sepsis rat models. The excessive release of S100A8/A9 or calprotectin in neonatal sepsis could be detrimental as it could exacerbate the inflammatory responses. We found that narciclasine significantly reduced the plasma levels of S100A8/A9 and also suppressed its expression in the liver and lung. The systemic and local bacterial load was also reduced in the narciclasine treated rats. The systemic and local production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma and organs (liver and lungs) was significantly reduced in the narciclasine treated rats. The histopathological studies showed that narciclasine prevents the organ damage associated with sepsis and improved the survival of neonatal rats. Sepsis increased the phosphorylated NF-κβ p65 protein expression in the liver. Narciclasine suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-κβ p65 and the degradation of NF-κβ inhibitory protein alpha. It could also suppress the expression of adaptor proteins of the toll like receptor signaling pathway viz., myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6). These results suggest that narciclasine protects against sepsis in neonatal rats through the inhibition of calprotectin, pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppression of NF-κβ signaling pathway.
An assessment of measured and computed depth of closure around Japan
Authors: Udo Keiko , Ranasinghe Roshanka , Takeda Yuriko
Published: February 2020

The development of effective coastal adaptation strategies and protection schemes is a major challenge for coastal zone managers and engineers, not only because the coastal zone is the most populated and developed land zone in the world, but also due to projected climate change impacts. A priori knowledge of the so called depth of closure (DoC) is, more often than not, a pre-requisite to understand and model coastal morphological response to wave forcing, which in turn enables the design of appropriate coastal adaption/protection measures. In the absence of long term measurements of coastal profile data, the DoC is often computed using Hallermeier’s formulations or derivatives thereof, for applications around the world. However, there are two major unresolved issues associated with computing the DoC in this way: the accuracy of the wave data required for reliable DoC computations, and the generic applicability of the coefficients used in DoC equations. This study exploits the availability of DoCs derived from multiple measurements of coastal profiles and wave data along the Japanese coast together with wave reanalysis products to evaluate the validity of DoC calculation approaches. Results show that the accuracy of computed DoC values determined using wave reanalysis data is limited, particularly when the spatial resolution of the wave reanalysis data is lower. Furthermore, coefficients of DoC equations proposed in previous and present studies appear to be location specific and points toward the need for a concerted worldwide meta-analysis that compares observed and derived DoC in order to derive a globally applicable formulation for DoC computations.
Recovery of electro-mechanical properties inside self-healing composites through microencapsulation of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zamal Hasna Hena , Barba David , Aïssa Brahim , Haddad Emile , Rosei Federico
Published: February 2020

We report the successful microencapsulation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes suspended in a 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene (5E2N) self-healing monomer, into poly melamine urea formaldehyde shells through in situ polymerization. The average size of the microcapsules, their size-distribution, shell wall structural integrity and thickness are  characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) inside the core liquid content, as well as their release after breaking is confirmed by microscopy and spectroscopy analyses. A small amount of CNTs inside the microcapsules is found to have no significant impact on the thermal stability of the system, as determined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Both the mechanical and the electrical properties of CNT-based self-healing materials can be restored  up to 80% when CNT/5E2N microcapsules are incorporated into polymer composites, thus making them highly suitable for applications in aerospace.
Amygdala activity related to perceived social support
Authors: Sato Wataru , Kochiyama Takanori , Uono Shota , Sawada Reiko , Yoshikawa Sakiko
Published: February 2020

Perceived social support enhances well-being and prevents stress-related ill-being. A recent structural neuroimaging study reported that the amygdala volume is positively associated with perceived social support. However, it remains unknown how neural activity in this region and functional connectivity (FC) between this and other regions are related to perceived social support. To investigate these issues, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed to analyze the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF). Perceived social support was evaluated using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Lower fALFF values in the bilateral amygdalae were associated with higher MSPSS scores. Additionally, stronger FC between the left amygdala and right orbitofrontal cortex and between the left amygdala and bilateral precuneus were associated with higher MSPSS scores. The present findings suggest that reduced amygdala activity and heightened connectivity between the amygdala and other regions underlie perceived social support and its positive functions.
Spread of equine arteritis virus among Hucul horses with different EqCXCL16 genotypes and analysis of viral quasispecies from semen of selected stallions
Authors: Socha Wojciech , Sztromwasser Pawel , Dunowska Magdalena , Jaklinska Barbara , Rola Jerzy
Published: February 2020

Equine arteritis virus (EAV) is maintained in the horse populations through persistently infected stallions. The aims of the study were to monitor the spread of EAV among Polish Hucul horses, to analyse the variability of circulating EAVs both between- and within-horses, and to identify allelic variants of the serving stallions EqCXCL16 gene that had been previously shown to strongly correlate with long-term EAV persistence in stallions. Serum samples (n = 221) from 62 horses including 46 mares and 16 stallions were collected on routine basis between December 2010 and May 2013 and tested for EAV antibodies. In addition, semen from 11 stallions was tested for EAV RNA. A full genomic sequence of EAV from selected breeding stallions was determined using next generation sequencing. The proportion of seropositive mares among the tested population increased from 7% to 92% during the study period, while the proportion of seropositive stallions remained similar (64 to 71%). The EAV genomes from different stallions were 94.7% to 99.6% identical to each other. A number (41 to 310) of single nucleotide variants were identified within EAV sequences from infected stallions. Four stallions possessed EqCXCL16S genotype correlated with development of long-term carrier status, three of which were persistent shedders and the shedder status of the remaining one was undetermined. None of the remaining 12 stallions with EqCXCL16R genotype was identified as a persistent shedder.
Structural origins of the Mixed Alkali Effect in Alkali Aluminosilicate Glasses: Molecular Dynamics Study and its Assessment
Authors: Lodesani Federica , Menziani Maria Cristina , Hijiya Hiroyuki , Takato Yoichi , Urata Shingo , Pedone Alfonso
Published: February 2020

The comprehension of the nonlinear effects provided by mixed alkali effect (MAE) in oxide glasses is useful to optimize glass compositions to achieve specific properties that depend on the mobility of ions, such as the chemical durability, glass transition temperature, viscosity and ionic conductivity. Although molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have already been applied to investigate the MAE on silicates, less effort has been devoted to study such phenomenon in mixed alkali aluminosilicate glasses where alkali cations can act both as modifiers, forming non-bridging oxygens and percolation channels, and as charge compensator of the AlO4− units present in the network. Moreover, the ionic conductivity has not been computed yet; thus, the accuracy of the atomistic simulations in reproducing the MAE on the property is still open to question. In this work, we have validated five major interatomic potentials for the classical MD simulations by modelling the structure, density, glass transition temperature and ionic conductivity for three aluminosilicate glasses, (25 − x)Na2O − x(K2O) − 10(Al2O3) − 65(SiO2) (x = 0, 12.5, 25). It was observed that only the core-shell (CS) polarizable force field well reproduces the experimentally measured MAE on Tg and the ionic conductivity as well as the higher conductivity of single sodium aluminosilicate glass at low temperature and the higher conductivity of single potassium aluminosilicate glass at high temperature. The MAE is related to the suppression of jump events of the alkaline ions between dissimilar sites in the percolation channels consisting of both sodium and potassium ions as in the case of alkaline silicates. The superior reproducibility of the CS potential is originated from the larger and the flexible ring structures due to the smaller Si-O-Si inter-tetrahedra angle, creating appropriate percolation channels for ion conductivity. We also report detailed assessments for using the potential models including the CS potential for investigating MAE on aluminosilicates.
A high biodiversity mitigates the impact of ocean acidification on hard-bottom ecosystems
Authors: Rastelli Eugenio , Petani Bruna , Corinaldesi Cinzia , Dell’Anno Antonio , Lo Martire Marco , Cerrano Carlo , Danovaro Roberto
Published: February 2020

Biodiversity loss and climate change simultaneously threaten marine ecosystems, yet their interactions remain largely unknown. Ocean acidification severely affects a wide variety of marine organisms and recent studies have predicted major impacts at the pH conditions expected for 2100. However, despite the renowned interdependence between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, the hypothesis that the species’ response to ocean acidification could differ based on the biodiversity of the natural multispecies assemblages in which they live remains untested. Here, using experimentally controlled conditions, we investigated the impact of acidification on key habitat-forming organisms (including corals, sponges and macroalgae) and associated microbes in hard-bottom assemblages characterised by different biodiversity levels. Our results indicate that, at higher biodiversity, the impact of acidification on otherwise highly vulnerable key organisms can be reduced by 50 to >90%, depending on the species. Here we show that such a positive effect of a higher biodiversity can be associated with higher availability of food resources and healthy microbe-host associations, overall increasing host resistance to acidification, while contrasting harmful outbreaks of opportunistic microbes. Given the climate change scenarios predicted for the future, we conclude that biodiversity conservation of hard-bottom ecosystems is fundamental also for mitigating the impacts of ocean acidification.
Evaluation of an activated carbon disposal system for safe disposal of model prescription sedative medications
Authors: Dasht Bozorg Behnam , Fowler William , Korey Andrew , Anderson Carter , Banga Ajay K.
Published: February 2020

Lack of a safe and convenient disposal method for expired and unused medications may lead to many problems such as accidental exposure, intentional misuse, and food and water contamination. Activated carbon can offer safe disposal of medications due to its highly porous structure, which exerts strong physical adsorption forces with chemicals. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of an activated carbon-based drug disposal system for deactivating three model sedative prescription medications. Deactivation was performed by mixing the medication, activated carbon, and tap water. Desorption was evaluated by exposing the deactivation system to wash-out solutions. Rapid, precise, accurate, and sensitive HPLC-UV method for each drug was successfully developed, validated and employed. Results of the 28-day deactivation study showed that on average, more than 94.00% of drugs were rapidly deactivated within 8 hours. All drugs reached more than 99.00% deactivation by the end of 28-day period. Desorption study demonstrated that all medications were retained by the system, with insignificant amount of drug (0.25%) leached into the washout solutions within 24 hours. In conclusion, activated carbon rapidly and successfully deactivated the medications tested, suggesting activated carbon-based drug disposal system provides a convenient, secure, and effective method for unused medication.
Small molecule activation of metabolic enzyme pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme 2, PKM2, circumvents photoreceptor apoptosis
Authors: Wubben Thomas J. , Pawar Mercy , Weh Eric , Smith Andrew , Sajjakulnukit Peter , Zhang Li , Dai Lipeng , Hager Heather , Pai Manjunath P. , Lyssiotis Costas A. , Besirli Cagri G.
Published: February 2020

Photoreceptor cell death is the ultimate cause of vision loss in many retinal disorders, and there is an unmet need for neuroprotective modalities to improve photoreceptor survival. Similar to cancer cells, photoreceptors maintain pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 2 (PKM2) expression, which is a critical regulator in aerobic glycolysis. Unlike PKM1, which has constitutively high catalytic activity, PKM2 is under complex regulation. Recently, we demonstrated that genetically reprogramming photoreceptor metabolism via PKM2-to-PKM1 substitution is a promising neuroprotective strategy. Here, we explored the neuroprotective effects of pharmacologically activating PKM2 via ML-265, a small molecule activator of PKM2, during acute outer retinal stress. We found that ML-265 increased PKM2 activity in 661 W cells and in vivo in rat eyes without affecting the expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism. ML-265 treatment did, however, alter metabolic intermediates of glucose metabolism and those necessary for biosynthesis in cultured cells. Long-term exposure to ML-265 did not result in decreased photoreceptor function or survival under baseline conditions. Notably, though, ML-265-treatment did reduce entrance into the apoptotic cascade in in vitro and in vivo models of outer retinal stress. These data suggest that reprogramming metabolism via activation of PKM2 is a novel, and promising, therapeutic strategy for photoreceptor neuroprotection.
Bluephage, a method for efficient detection of somatic coliphages in one hundred milliliter water samples
Authors: Méndez Javier , Toribio-Avedillo Daniel , Mangas-Casas Raquel , Martínez-González Judit
Published: February 2020

Emerging water quality guidelines and regulations require the absence of somatic coliphages in 100 mL of water, yet the efficiency of standardized methods to test this volume of sample is questionable. A recently described procedure, Bluephage, using a modifiedE. colihost strain, overcomes some of the methodological limitations of standardized methods. In a maximum of 6.5 hours (2.5 hours for pre-growing the host strain and 4 hours for the presence/absence test), Bluephage allows the direct detection of one plaque-forming unit (PFU) in a 100 mL water sample. The test shows high levels of specificity for somatic coliphages and comparable accuracy with standardized methods.
Author Correction: Efficient Alpha Radiation Detector using Low Temperature Hydrothermally Grown ZnO:Ga Nanorod Scintillator
Authors: Sahani R. M. , Kumari Chandni , Pandya Arun , Dixit Ambesh
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Real-time and non-destructive hydrocarbon gas sensing using mid-infrared integrated photonic circuits
Authors: Jin Tiening , Zhou Junchao , Lin Pao Tai
Published: February 2020

A chip-scale mid-infrared (mid-IR) sensor was developed for hydrocarbon gas detection.
New, highly versatile bimolecular photoinitiating systems for free-radical, cationic and thiol–ene photopolymerization processes under low light intensity UV and visible LEDs for 3D printing application
Authors: Hola Emilia , Topa Monika , Chachaj-Brekiesz Anna , Pilch Maciej , Fiedor Paweł , Galek Mariusz , Ortyl Joanna
Published: February 2020

1-Amino-4-methyl-naphthalene-2-carbonitrile derivatives are proposed for the role of photosensitizers of iodonium salt during the photopolymerization processes upon near UV-A and visible ranges.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel arylcarboxamide derivatives as anti-tubercular agents
Authors: Alsayed Shahinda S. R. , Lun Shichun , Luna Giuseppe , Beh Chau Chun , Payne Alan D. , Foster Neil , Bishai William R. , Gunosewoyo Hendra
Published: February 2020

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of arylcarboxamide derivatives based on an antimycobacterial indole-2-carboxamide scaffold. The most active compounds demonstrated activities against MDR and XDR M. tb strains.
PAMPS-graft-Ni3Si2O5(OH)4 multiwalled nanotubes as a novel nano-sorbent for the effective removal of Pb(ii) ions
Authors: Xiao Chunmei , Lin Jianming
Published: February 2020

PAMPS-g-Ni3Si2O5(OH)4 NTs for the effective removal of Pb(ii).
Particle engulfment by strongly asymmetric membranes with area reservoirs
Authors: Agudo-Canalejo Jaime
Published: February 2020

We study the engulfment of solid particles by membranes with area reservoirs that are stabilized by large spontaneous curvature, and show that the properties of the reservoir can influence membrane remodelling processes.
Limited effects of a redox mediator in lithium–oxygen batteries: indecomposable by-products
Authors: Kim Hun , Kwak Won-Jin , Jung Hun-Gi , Sun Yang-Kook
Published: February 2020

Limited effect of the redox mediator (RM) cannot decompose the by-products in lithium–oxygen batteries.
Heavy metal adsorption using structurally preorganized adsorbent
Authors: Liang Shuai , Cao Shengguang , Liu Changrong , Zeb Shah , Cui Yu , Sun Guoxin
Published: February 2020

The adsorbent had two types of functional groups and six binding sites in one coordination unit. The presence of the amide group shows good anti-interference to alkali metals and alkali soil metals.
Structure determination of amyrin isomers in cuticular waxes: a combined DFT/vibrational spectroscopy methodology
Authors: Gómez-Pulido Luz D. M. , González-Cano Rafael C. , Domínguez Eva , Heredia Antonio
Published: February 2020

A new methodology for the structural characterization of amyrins based on DFT calculations and Raman vibrational spectroscopy.
Robust control method for LCL‐type shunt active power filter under weak grid condition
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Xu Fang , Pan Guobing , Ouyang Kang , Jin Yujia , Jin Libin , Qiu Jing
Published: February 2020

This study presents an improved double closed‐loop current (fundamental and harmonics current) control method for inductive‐capacitive‐inductive (LCL) type shunt active power filter (SAPF), which is designed to enhance the robustness of the SAPF system to adapt weak grid application condition. Due to the variation of weak grid impedance, fundamental current control loop based on grid current feedback control method may become unstable, a robust parameters design method in discrete z‐domain according to amplitude‐frequency and phase‐frequency characteristics is proposed to fit the grid impedance variation. The harmonics current of non‐linear load exists in a wide frequency range, normal resonant controller will cause the system unstable due to the negative −180° cross of phase at high‐frequency range, a digital phase‐lead resonant controller (PL‐RC) is proposed to extend the bandwidth of the harmonics current control, then the quantities of the PL‐RCs used to suppress harmonics can be increased considerably compared with normal resonant controller. Experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the robust parameters design method and the proposed PL‐RC.
Transformer failure diagnosis using fuzzy association rule mining combined with case‐based reasoning
Authors: Guo Chenxi , Wang Bin , Wu Zhanyu , Ren Ming , He Yifan , Albarracín Ricardo , Dong Ming
Published: February 2020

In the field of transformer failure diagnosis, the potential correlation between different characteristic parameters and failures is difficult to detect using traditional methods. Further, the quantities of inspection data have not been fully utilized. To improve the accuracy of transformer diagnosis, this study establishes a diagnosis model based on fuzzy association rules combined with case‐based reasoning (CBR) to evaluate the failure types, fault locations, and cause of breakdown in power transformers. First, the inspection data of transformers are collected from several substations over 10 years. Then, the pre‐processed data are randomly separated into training and testing sets. For the training set, fuzzy association rules are built for multiple parameters to narrow the search scope of base case preliminarily. Next, CBR is applied to determine the most similar cases. The failure information of the target transformer can be obtained in detail along with the most similar base case. Finally, the accuracy of the model is validated shown in case studies using the testing data set. The result demonstrates that the diagnosis model provides a higher accuracy than the classic IEC 60599 three‐ratio method used in the current industry, which means that this diagnosis model has better performance on diagnosis accuracy.
Characteristics of coke pore formation and its effect on solution loss degradation
Authors: Geng Yaheng , Guo Rui , Li Yizhuo , Zhang Xin , Lin Jiaxiong
Published: February 2020

Pore structure is an important factor that affects coke thermal properties. In order to reveal the formation regularity of coke pore structure, high temperature carbonization experiment of blending coals was carried out in 40 kg test coke oven. The pore structure of different regions and different orientations of the obtained coke was detected by microscope. The ratio of the average pore diameter of the coke to the average wall thickness was highly correlated with the square of porosity. The relationship shows that during coking, the development of the wall thickness is restricted by pore coalescence and coal expansion. The softened coal can form a thicker wall structure only after the pores have coalesced fully without excessive expansion. The four coke pore size distribution curves and pore-wall-thickness distribution curves reflect the quality change of the coal blending. Therefore, the adjustment of a coal blending scheme according to the pore structure distribution curve provides a promising, accurate coal blending method.
Radiations of fairy-aprons (Utricularia dichotoma, Lentibulariaceae) in Australia and New Zealand: molecular evidence and proposal of new subspecies
Authors: Jobson Richard W. , Baleeiro Paulo C.
Published: February 2020

The Utricularia dichotoma Labill. complex is a morphologically and ecologically variable group of closely related taxa with a mostly temperate distribution across New Zealand, New Caledonia and Australia. Taxonomic boundaries within the complex have been the subject of speculation, with several previously recognised species being synonymised after a nomenclatural revision. We sampled 296 populations representing all known taxa; 223 accessions were used in the full phylogenetic analysis based on two non-coding chloroplast regions (rps16, trnD–T) and two nuclear ribosomal spacers (external transcribed spacer, ETS; internal transcribed spacer-1, ITS-1), whereas the remaining accessions were identified by using ITS-1 barcodes. We found strong support for a paraphyletic U. dichotoma, with accessions matching the type material of that name grouped within a polytomy that includes clades containing accessions of U. monanthos Hook.f and U. novae-zelandiae Hook.f. Specific statuses for five recently described species previously included in U. dichotoma s.l. do not fall within this polytomy, nor do the two species U. oppositiflora R.Br. and U. speciosa R.Br. resurrected from synonymy of U. dichotoma. All sampled accessions from New Zealand form a single clade within U. dichotoma as recognised here. We here propose that seven clades recovered here be recognised as subspecies, and describe eight new subspecies, including two new combinations. We also propose that the monophyletic clade sister to U. beaugleholei Gassin be assigned to subspecies rank under that name.
Multiplicative chaos and the characteristic polynomial of the CUE: The 𝐿¹-phase
Authors: Nikula Miika , Saksman Eero , Webb Christian
Published: February 2020

In this article we prove that suitable positive powers of the absolute value of the characteristic polynomial of a Haar distributed random unitary matrix converge in law, as the size of the matrix tends to infinity, to a Gaussian multiplicative chaos measure once correctly normalized. We prove this in the whole

L
1

L^1

- or subcritical phase of the chaos measure.
Methodology as a Lingua Franca in International Relations: Peripheral Self-reflections on Dialogue with the Core
Authors: Aydinli Ersel
Published: February 2020

Scholarly dialogue between ‘core’ and ‘periphery’ or ‘West/non-West’ in many disciplinary communities has become an issue of discussion in recent decades, spawned in part by increased expectations in many periphery communities of being published in core journals, and complicated by factors such as the linguistic hegemony of English and concerns about access. The International Relations (IR) discipline has been at the forefront of this discussion. However, despite widespread awareness of the issue, and a dedicated push for greater emphasis on local theorising out of the periphery, the cutting edge of global IR scholarship still remains core dominant. This article proposes that a focus on ‘quality’ methodology, in the broadest possible sense of having transparent and effectively applied research designs, could serve as a lingua franca to promote the exchange of ideas in a way less prone to disadvantage periphery scholars. The article goes on to examine this issue by focusing on the case of the Turkish IR disciplinary community. It looks at how methodological issues are currently considered in Turkish IR pedagogy and scholarship and then offers a self-reflective assessment of the quality of methodology in Turkish IR. It concludes by offering suggestions on how the Turkish IR disciplinary community could better address methodological issues and, ultimately, perhaps achieve greater impact within the global IR community.
Chinese Student Teachers’ Reticence in Teacher Education Courses
Authors: Yan Chunmei , He Chuanjun
Published: February 2020

There has been a plethora of research on the reticence of Chinese EFL students at undergraduate level both in China and beyond; however, little attention has been paid to this phenomenon in content-based EFL teacher education courses at the postgraduate level. This study focused on a group of Chinese EFL MEd student teachers in a language teacher development course delivered by a Chinese teacher educator. Three triangulated qualitative methods were employed to gather data, including one-semester-long classroom observations, course evaluations, and group interviews. Reticence was found to have been caused by the interplay between dispositional and circumstantial factors related to both students and teachers. The study highlights a need for mutual adaptations to address reticence in content-based teacher education classes.
Health research and knowledge translation for achieving the sustainable development goals: tackling the hurdles
Authors: Sipido Karin R , Nagyova Iveta
Published: February 2020

We are far from reaching the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for health despite a wealth of novel insights in disease mechanisms and possible solutions. Why have we failed in knowledge translation and implementation? Starting from the case of cardiovascular diseases as one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases, we examine barriers and hurdles, and perspectives for future health research. Health has multiple links with other SDGs. To accelerate the progress towards a healthy society, health research needs to take a broader view and become more cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral. As one example, behavioural studies will underpin better prevention and treatment adherence. The next generation workforce in health and research needs an adapted education and training to implement more effective health approaches. As well, only effective dialogue and communication between researchers, practitioners, society and policymakers can lead to translation of evidence into policies, addressing the complexity of socioeconomic factors and commercial interests. Within Europe, health research needs a comprehensive vision and strategy that connects to achieving better health, as one of the interconnected SDGs.
The SDGs and health systems: the last step on the long and unfinished journey to universal health care?
Authors: Rajan Selina , Ricciardi Walter , McKee Martin
Published: February 2020

In 2015, the world’s governments committed, in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to achieve universal health coverage by 2030, something they will be held accountable for. We examine progress in the WHO European Region using data from several sources. We assess effective coverage using data from the Global Burden of Disease Programme, including access to 9 key interventions for maternal and child health and communicable and non-communicable diseases and mortality from 32 conditions amenable to health care. Progress is mixed; while Finland and Iceland have already achieved the 2030 target already, other countries, including in the Caucasus and Central Asia have not yet, and are unlikely to by 2030. We then examine financial protection, where progress lags in Central and South East Europe and the former Soviet Union, where high out-of-pocket healthcare payments and catastrophic spending are still common. We stress the need to consider inequalities within countries, with the most vulnerable groups, such as Roma or newly arrived migrants (from the Middle East and Africa) often underserved, while their needs are frequently undocumented. To make progress on the SDGs, governments must invest more heavily in health services research and support the infrastructure and capacity required to enable it.
Isotonitazene Quantitation and Metabolite Discovery in Authentic Forensic Casework
Authors: Krotulski Alex J , Papsun Donna M , Kacinko Sherri L , Logan Barry K
Published: February 2020

The synthetic opioid landscape continues to change as non-fentanyl-related substances appear in forensic toxicology casework. Among the newest synthetic opioids to emerge is isotonitazene, an analogue of a benzimidazole class of analgesic compounds. Isotonitazene is an active and potent synthetic opioid, but the extent to which this compound is causing toxicity among drug users was previously unknown. This report describes the confirmation and quantitation of isotonitazene in blood, urine and vitreous fluid through standard addition, as well as in vivo metabolic profile determination in drug users. Quantitative analysis was performed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), and metabolite discovery was performed using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). In total, 18 cases were confirmed positive for isotonitazene, nine of which were previously negative for any opioid. The average isotonitazene concentration in blood was 2.2 ± 2.1 ng/mL (median 1.75 ng/mL, range 0.4–9.5 ng/mL), and the average isotonitazene concentration in urine was 2.4 ± 1.4 ng/mL (median 2.7 ng/mL, range 0.6–4.0 ng/mL). The lowest concentration of isotonitazene in blood was 0.4 ng/mL (two cases) with no other opioids present; findings in death investigations. Four metabolites of isotonitazene were detected in vivo. N- and O-dealkylation products were determined to be the most prominent urinary biomarkers, while 5-amino-isotonitazene was identified in most blood samples. The prevalence and popularity of isotonitazene continue to increase in the United States in early 2020. Toxicologists, medical examiners and coroners should be aware of novel opioids outside the standard scope of testing, especially in medicolegal death investigations. Forensic scientists should add isotonitazene to testing procedures, and public health officials should counsel about potent new drugs and the dangers of opioid use.
Minimally Invasive Muscle Embedding Generates Donor-Cell-Derived Muscle Fibers that Express Desmin and Dystrophin
Authors: Roche Joseph A , Begam Morium , Eaton Andrea K , Elkins Collin J , Johnson Jaclyn P , Rosinski Mattina M , Galen Sujay S
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study was to quantify the extent of donor-cell-derived myogenesis achieved by a novel surgical technique known as Minimally Invasive Muscle Embedding (MIME).

Materials and Methods

Through MIME, we implanted a single extensor digitorum longus muscle from donor mice (N = 2) that expressed a red fluorescent protein (RFP), into the left tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of immunodeficient host mice (N = 4) that expressed a green fluorescent protein (GFP). Soon after MIME, we injected a myotoxin (barium chloride), into the host TA muscle, to trigger concerted muscle degeneration and regeneration. In lieu of MIME, we performed a SHAM procedure on the right TA muscle of the same set of animals.

Results

In MIME-treated muscles, 22% ± 7% and 78% ± 7% muscle fibers were RFP+ and GFP+, respectively (mean ± standard deviation); and all RFP+ fibers were positive for desmin and dystrophin. Conclusion. We conclude that MIME helps generate muscle fibers of donor origin, in host muscle.
The Joint Emergency Medicine Exercise: A Capstone Training Evolution of a Military Unique Curriculum for Emergency Medicine Residents
Authors: Engelbert LT Patrick R , Deaton Travis G , Walrath Benjamin D , Rudinsky Sherri L
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The role of the Emergency Medicine (EM) physician in the U.S. military continues to expand, and current Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education general training requirements do not optimally prepare military EM graduates to be successful in postresidency operational assignments. To address this gap, the Naval Medical Center San Diego EM residency program introduced a Military Unique Curriculum (MUC) culminating in a capstone event, the Joint Emergency Medicine Exercise (JEMX).

Methods

Part of an approved Quality Improvement project, annual survey results from 2012 to 2017 evaluated graduate opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of the MUC. We describe a pilot project conceived by tri-service EM physicians to evaluate the feasibility of the JEMX.

Results

Forty-eight graduate residents responded to surveys, 18 of which were administered pre-MUC implementation. With a 100% response rate from graduate residents, overall trends showed greater perceived readiness for postresidency operational assignments after MUC implementation. Written comments received cited the MUC as areas where the Naval Medical Center San Diego EM program excelled and the successful JEMX evolutions as the most valuable curricular component of the MUC.

Conclusion

An integrated MUC with a capstone exercise, such as our JEMX, provides a feasible and effective educational experience that improves operational readiness of graduating EM residents.
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Improve Lifespan of Stored Blood
Authors: Rzigalinski Beverly A , Giovinco Holly M , Cheatham Byron J
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Blood is a precious commodity, with storage limited to 42 days under refrigeration. Degradative changes in red blood cells (RBCs) begin as early as 11–21 days after collection, and compromise their function. Materials that extend the life of RBCs will improve blood utilization in the field, as well as in hospital settings. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) are widely used in the materials industry to counteract oxidative stress and improve oxygen storage. We have previously shown that CeONPs extended the lifespan of cells in culture and counteract oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. Here, we test the hypothesis that CeONPs extend the lifespan of RBCs in whole stored blood.

Materials and Methods

Rat whole blood was collected with sodium citrate and stored at 4°C. Groups consisted of control (no CeONPs), and 10 and 100 nM CeONPs (average particle size 10 nm) added. Aliquots of stored blood were removed weekly and analyzed for different blood parameters.

Results

Results demonstrate that CeONPs improve storage and functional lifespan of RBCs in stored whole blood.

Conclusions

This work suggests that CeONPs may be a promising additive for extending storage and function of blood and blood products.