bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Sintering across Scales
Authors: Raether Friedrich , Seifert Gerhard , Ziebold Heiko
Published: April 2019

Sintering controls microstructure and quality of powder‐metallurgical and ceramic products and the efficiency of heating processes. A survey on computational tools for the simulation and optimization of sintering processes is presented including both microstructural models and continuum mechanical models. A new integrated microstructure model on sintering (IMS) is introduced. It includes the most important aspects of current computational microstructural models on solid state sintering: local equilibrium structures controlled by interface energy, randomness of diffusion processes, and particle rearrangement. The model assumptions and the underlying equations are described in detail. Simulations based on the IMS model show a very realistic evolution of microstructure. They require reasonable computer time and show small statistical variations. Various applications of the new model are suggested and its limitations are discussed. For the prediction of shrinkage and shape distortions during sintering, continuum models are required which are based on input from sintering experiments. Adequate functions of the different models and criteria for their efficient interplay with measurements are proposed according to an integrated computational materials engineering approach for sintering.
Selenium Vacancy–Enhanced Gas Adsorption of Monolayer Hafnium Diselenide (HfSe2) from a Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Yang Guofeng , Yan Pengfei , Zhu Chun , Gu Yan , Lu Naiyan , Xue Junjun , Zhang Xiumei , Sun Rui , Fang Xiudong
Published: April 2019

The gas adsorption properties of monolayer selenium vacancy–defective (VSe) hafnium diselenide (HfSe2) compared with that of pure monolayer HfSe2 for CO, NO, NO2, SO2, CO2, H2O, H2S, and NH3 molecules are theoretically investigated using density functional theory (DFT) based on first‐principle calculations. The equilibrium distance, adsorption energy, charge transfer, and electron localization function of pure and Se vacancy–defective HfSe2 (VSe‐HfSe2) monolayers with absorbed gases are systematically calculated. It is demonstrated that monolayer VSe‐HfSe2 exhibits enhanced adsorption energy and charge transfer than that of pure HfSe2, and the band structures reveal that the adsorption of CO, NO, NO2, and SO2 molecules can significantly modify the electronic structure of VSe‐HfSe2 monolayer. In addition, the atom projected density of states suggests the existence of orbital hybridization between the gas molecules, and VSe‐HfSe2 is the primary cause of high charge transfer. The results demonstrate that selenium vacancy will effectively enhance the gas adsorption ability for HfSe2 monolayer, especially for CO, NO, NO2, and SO2 molecules.
Electrokinetic Phenomena Enhanced Lithium‐Ion Transport in Leaky Film for Stable Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Li Guoxing , Liu Zhe , Wang Daiwei , He Xin , Liu Shuai , Gao Yue , AlZahrani Atif , Kim Seong H. , Chen Long‐Qing , Wang Donghai
Published: April 2019

The application of lithium (Li) metal anodes in Li metal batteries has been hindered by growth of Li dendrites, which lead to short cycling life. Here a Li‐ion‐affinity leaky film as a protection layer is reported to promote a dendrite‐free Li metal anode. The leaky film induces electrokinetic phenomena to enhance Li‐ion transport, leading to a reduced Li‐ion concentration polarization and homogeneous Li‐ion distribution. As a result, the dendrite‐free Li metal anode during Li plating/stripping is demonstrated even at an extremely high deposition capacity (6 mAh cm−2) and current density (40 mA cm−2) with improved Coulombic efficiencies. A full cell battery with the leaky‐film protected Li metal as the anode and high‐areal‐capacity LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM‐811) (≈4.2 mAh cm−2) or LiFePO4 (≈3.8 mAh cm−2) as the cathode shows improved cycling stability and capacity retention, even at lean electrolyte conditions.
Direct Observation of Dissipation in Dynamical Search Algorithm using Transmon Qubits
Authors: Homid Ali H. , Abdel‐Aty Mahmoud , Farouk Ahmed , Obada Abdel‐Shafy F.
Published: April 2019

Following recent work [Fortschritte der Physik 66, 1700080 (2018)], the dissipation effect of the dynamical quantum search algorithm (DQSA) is investigated. Such an algorithm is realized with the interaction of multi superconducting transmon qubits inside a 3D bus cavity. The dissipation of such system is caused by managing the sensitivity to charge noise via tuning the qubit frequency by employing Josephson energy. The probabilities of marked and unmarked states for the present algorithm have been calculated analytically and numerically. Such probabilities of marked states are sensitive to any change in the dissipation parameter. A deficiency causes the dissipation for the marked states, and that deficiency is added to the unmarked states. It is interesting to mention that one of the datasets at large dissipation rates gives an observation of the marked states probabilities which is related to the decoherence free subspace. It is predicted that the algorithm can be successfully implemented in the current experiments.
Production of 6,8‐Dihydroxy Fatty Acids by Recombinant Escherichia coli Expressing T879A Variant 6,8‐Linoleate Diol Synthase from Penicillium oxalicum
Authors: Shin Kyung‐Chul , Seo Min‐Ju , Ju Jeong‐Hun , Oh Deok‐Kun
Published: April 2019

Recombinant Escherichia coli expressing T879A variant 6,8‐linoleate diol synthase (LDS) from Penicillium oxalicum showed 2.1‐fold higher activity than recombinant E. coli expressing wild‐type 6,8‐LDS for the production of 6,8‐dihydroxy fatty acids (DiHFA) from linoleic acid. The optimal conditions for the production of 6,8‐DiHFA by recombinant E. coli expressing T879A variant 6,8‐LDS were pH 6.5, 35°C, 50 g L−1 cells, 10 g L−1 (35.7 mM) substrate, and 5% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide. Under these optimized conditions, 6.6 g L−1 (22.1 mM) 6,8‐dihydroxy‐9,12(Z,Z)‐octadecadienoic acid (DiHODE) and 7.1 g L−1 (22.6 mM) 6,8‐dihydroxy‐9(Z)‐octadecenoic acid (DiHOME) were produced from linoleic acid and oleic acid in 40 min, respectively. The volumetric productivities of 6,8‐DiHODE and 6,8‐DiHOME under these conditions were 9.9 and 10.7 mg L−1 h−1, respectively. The volumetric productivities of 6,8‐DiHODE and 6,8‐DiHOME were the highest values among those of all reported regiospecific DiHODE and DiHOME, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative biotechnological production of 6,8‐DiHFA.
Stability of Tocopherol Homologs in Bulk Oils at 60°C Oxidation and Chlorophyll Photosensitization by the Action of Moisture
Authors: Ryu Jiwon , Lee Chankyu , Kim Mi‐Ja , Lee Jaehwan
Published: April 2019

The effects of deuterium oxide (D2O) on the stability of tocopherol homologs were evaluated in corn oil stored at 60°C or in the process of chlorophyll photosensitization. The degree of oxidation, changes in moisture, and the levels of tocopherol homologs were analyzed. The moisture content in corn oil incubated with deuterium‐free water (H2O) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that in corn oil incubated with D2O. The presence of D2O accelerated the rate of lipid oxidation in corn oil, irrespective of whether it has been oxidized at 60°C or has been photosensitized by chlorophyll. After exposure to either of the oxidative stresses, the stability of β + γ‐tocopherols present in corn oil was enhanced in the presence of D2O compared to corn oil incubated in the presence of H2O, or control corn oil without the addition of moisture. However, the stability of α‐tocopherol in corn oil incubated with D2O was significantly lower after oxidation at 60°C compared to the other conditions (P < 0.05), whereas it was significantly higher than under the other conditions after chlorophyll photosensitization (P < 0.05). The moisture and type of oxidative stress, therefore, play important roles in the stability of tocopherol homologs in bulk oils.
Effect of chemical etching of resistance wire surface on the strength and failure mechanism of the resistance‐welded joint of polyetherimide composites
Authors: Xiong Xuhai , Zhao Pu , Ren Rong , Zhang Zhongbao , Cui Xu , Ji Shude
Published: April 2019

The surface modification of stainless‐steel (SS) mesh was carried out by chemical etching for different time, and then, the etched SS meshes were used as the interlayer heating element for resistance welding of glass fabric‐reinforced polyetherimide (GF/PEI) composite laminates. The hydrophobicity and tensile strength of the etched and untreated SS wires and interfacial shear strength (IFSS) between SS wire and PEI resin were investigated by dynamic contact angle (DCA) analyzer and single fiber pull‐out test to evaluate the influence of the degree of chemical etching on the bonding strength of PEI resin and SS surface. Tensile lap‐shear strength (LSS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis were performed to investigate the welding interface strength and fracture morphologies of the resistance‐welded joint of the GF/PEI laminates. The hydrophobicity and tensile strength of SS wires were increased and decreased respectively with etching time (te). The IFSS of SS wire/PEI resin showed an improvement with te. The LSS was increased first and then decreased with te, and the optimal te was 30 min when LSS reached the maximum. Fracture analysis showed the main failure mode of the welded joints was the interlayer debonding when welding time (tw) was insufficient. With the extension of tw, the failure mode gradually switched into the intralayer tearing of the SS implant. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47879.
Effect of segment structures on the hydrolytic degradation behaviors of totally degradable poly(L‐lactic acid)‐based copolymers
Authors: Fan Tiantang , Ye Wuyou , Du Beibei , Zhang Qin , Gong Li , Li Jiafeng , Lin Shengli , Fan Zhongyong , Liu Qing
Published: April 2019

A series of high‐molecular‐weight terpolymers named PTG‐b‐LG and PT‐b‐LG were synthesized based on the macroinitiators of PTG copolymers and PTMC, respectively. In vitro degradation of PTG‐b‐LG and PT‐b‐LG was carried out by immersing into PBS, in comparison with that of PLLA. Mass loss, water uptake, GPC, DSC, WAXD, and 1H NMR were examined for the degradation study. It was found that PTG‐b‐LG degraded faster than PT‐b‐LG and PLLA due to the Di‐random block structure, which had lower regularity of chain and lower crystallinity. The compositional changes appeared to be more complex, but the molar mass decreased owing to chain fragmentation caused by hydrolysis. Moreover, morphological changes were also observed during the degradation in all situations with the crystallization of by‐products and a preferential degradation of amorphous domains. Specifically, PTG‐b‐LG presented an adjustable degradation rate and may be used for the fabrication of totally biodegradation stents in the future. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47887.
CACNA1C (rs1006737) may be a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Dongjian , Yin Jingwen , Liang Chunmei , Luo Xudong , Lv Dong , Dai Zhun , Xiong Susu , Fu Jiawu , Li You , Lin Juda , Lin Zhixiong , Wang Yajun , Ma Guoda
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness with a genetic predisposition. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified the α‐1C subunit of the L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel (CACNA1C) gene as a significant risk gene for schizophrenia. However, there are inconsistent conclusions in case–control studies.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive meta‐analysis of all available samples from existing studies under four different genetic models (recessive model, dominant model, additive model and allele model) to further confirm whether CACNA1C rs1006737 is an authentic risk single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for schizophrenia.

Results

A statistically significant difference under the four models (all p < 0.05) was observed by pooling nine Asian and European studies, including a total of 12,744 cases and 16,460 controls. For European‐decent samples, a significant difference was identified between patients and controls for the four models (all p < 0.05). We observed a significant difference between patients and controls for the recessive model and allele model (GG vs. GA + AA: p < 0.00001; G vs. A: p < 0.00001) using a fixed effect model, but the dominant model (GG + GA vs. AA: OR: p = 0.15) and additive model (GG vs. AA: p = 0.11) showed no significant difference between patients and controls in the Asian samples.

Conclusion

Our findings provide important evidence for the establishment of CACNA1C as a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia across world populations, but its roles in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia need to be further investigated.
Pseudo‐Bartter syndrome in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Faraji‐Goodarzi Mojgan
Published: April 2019

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. We report a case of a boy aged 4.5 years with cystic fibrosis, presenting under‐weightness, hypocalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypokalemia, and hyponatremia. Sweat analysis of the patients concluded pseudo‐Bartter syndrome, which was successfully treated using antibiotics, physiotherapy, fluids, vitamin supplements, and pancreatic enzyme therapy.
Pillarquinone‐Based Porous Polymer for a Highly‐Efficient Heterogeneous Organometallic Catalysis
Authors: Lan Shang , Yang Xuan , Shi Kejia , Fan Rong , Ma Da
Published: April 2019

Pillar[5]quinone (PQ[5])‐based porous polymer has been prepared by crosslinking and oxidating pillar[5]arene (PA[5]). Quinone was used as an unorthodox ligand to load palladium‐catalyst with high loading ratio (up to 12.0 wt %). Catalyst was well dispersed on solid support in the form of Pd2+‐specie. Pd‐loaded PQ[5]‐based heterogeneous catalyst was highly efficient for Suzuki‐coupling reactions (22‐ to 1485‐fold higher than Pd/C based on turnover frequency). It was superior compared to other existing heterogeneous catalysts for selective catalytic reaction. This heterogeneous catalyst had good thermo‐stability, and could be reused and recycled.
Data Mining the C−C Cross‐Coupling Genome
Authors: Sawatlon Boodsarin , Wodrich Matthew D. , Meyer Benjamin , Fabrizio Alberto , Corminboeuf Clémence
Published: April 2019

The speed and precision of machine‐learning (ML) techniques in determining quantum chemical properties has resulted in a considerable computational speed up in comparison to traditional quantum chemical methods, and now allows a desired property of thousands of molecules to be assessed virtually instantaneously. The large databases that result from employing ML can, in turn, be mined with the goal of uncovering relationships that may be missed through more commonly used small scale screening procedures. Due to its prominent place in chemistry, catalysis represents a particularly fruitful playground, where drawing connections between the quantum chemical properties of catalysts and their overall catalytic performance may lead to the identification of new, highly functional species. In this spirit, we previously trained ML models to predict the performance of 18000 prospective catalysts for a Suzuki coupling reaction using molecular volcano plots. Here, we apply concepts from big data to probe a type of “C−C cross‐coupling genome” that explores results from many different named cross‐coupling reactions. The use of interactive dimensionality‐reducing data‐clustering maps facilitates the identification of relationships between the thermodynamics of different catalysts and the chemical properties of their constituent metal and ligands. Analyzing large numbers of species in this manner leads to the identification of not only unexpected catalysts that have thermodynamically ideal profiles to catalyze C−C cross‐coupling reactions, but also reveals a wealth of interesting chemical trends regarding the influence played by different metals and ligands, as well as their unique combinations.
Diets of denning female Pacific martens vary with the developmental stage of their kits
Authors: Slauson Keith M. , Zielinski William J.
Published: April 2019

Food resources can be a limiting factor and natural and anthropogenic influences that alter the abundance of food resources can affect population performance and persistence. Reproduction in mammals is energetically costly; therefore, understanding how food resources influence reproduction is essential, especially for species of conservation concern.

The objectives of this study were to characterize Pacific marten (Martes caurina) diets during the denning period and determine whether diets differed by sex or by phase of the denning period.

We used 943 scats to reconstruct sex‐specific diets of martens in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the denning period to evaluate sex‐specific hypotheses of predation patterns.

During the lactation phase, females preyed primarily on large‐sized prey (62.5% metabolizeable energy) 5.7‐times more than males. This likely optimized both energy gain and minimized time spent away from dependent young. During the weaning phase, females preyed primarily on medium‐ (90–200 g) and large‐sized prey (87.7% metabolizeable energy). During the predispersal phase, females exhibited a 4.7‐fold increase in use of small‐sized (<50 g) prey during the time kits are learning to hunt.

Male overall diet and predation patterns appear to fit an optimal foraging strategy that is influenced primarily by prey profitability and abundance, with males preying primarily on medium‐sized prey, closest to meeting their lower energetic needs. In contrast, females appear to fit the predictions for a central place forager that is also influenced by prey profitability, but also the increased energetic and maternal demands of denning, leading them to use larger prey than males over the phases of the denning period when kits are growing. We hypothesize that switching to smaller prey is related to females assisting their kits in developing hunting skills and experience that may increase their chances of survival once they disperse.
Sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibition with empagliflozin improves cardiac function in non‐diabetic rats with left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction
Authors: Yurista Salva R. , Silljé Herman H.W. , Oberdorf‐Maass Silke U. , Schouten Elisabeth‐Maria , Pavez Giani Mario G. , Hillebrands Jan‐Luuk , van Goor Harry , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Westenbrink B. Daan
Published: April 2019

Aims

Sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition reduces heart failure hospitalizations in patients with diabetes, irrespective of glycaemic control. We examined the effect of SGLT2 inhibition with empagliflozin (EMPA) on cardiac function in non‐diabetic rats with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and results

Non‐diabetic male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent permanent coronary artery ligation to induce MI, or sham surgery. Rats received chow containing EMPA that resulted in an average daily intake of 30 mg/kg/day or control chow, starting before surgery (EMPA‐early) or 2 weeks after surgery (EMPA‐late). Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography and histological and molecular markers of cardiac remodelling and metabolism were assessed in the left ventricle. Renal function was assessed in metabolic cages. EMPA increased urine production by two‐fold without affecting creatinine clearance and serum electrolytes. EMPA did not influence MI size, but LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly higher in the EMPA‐early and EMPA‐late treated MI groups compared to the MI group treated with vehicle (LVEF 54%, 52% and 43%, respectively, all P < 0.05). EMPA also attenuated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, diminished interstitial fibrosis and reduced myocardial oxidative stress. EMPA treatment reduced mitochondrial DNA damage and stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis, which was associated with the normalization of myocardial uptake and oxidation of glucose and fatty acids. EMPA increased circulating ketone levels as well as myocardial expression of the ketone body transporter and two critical ketogenic enzymes, indicating that myocardial utilization of ketone bodies was increased. Together these metabolic changes were associated with an increase in cardiac ATP production.

Conclusion

Empagliflozin favourably affects cardiac function and remodelling in non‐diabetic rats with LV dysfunction after MI, associated with substantial improvements in cardiac metabolism and cardiac ATP production. Importantly, it did so without renal adverse effects. Our data suggest that EMPA might be of benefit in heart failure patients without diabetes.
Expectations influence treatment outcomes in patients with low back pain. A secondary analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Eklund Andreas , De Carvalho Diana , Pagé Isabelle , Wong Arnold , Johansson Melker S. , Pohlman Katherine A. , Hartvigsen Jan , Swain Michael
Published: April 2019

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a global public health challenge, which causes high healthcare costs and the highest burden on society in terms of years lived with disability. While patients’ expectations for improvement may have effects on LBP treatment outcomes, it remains unclear if psychological profiles modify this relationship. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate if (a) patients’ expectations predicted short‐term outcome, and (b) psychological profile, pain intensity and self‐rated health modified the relationship between expectations and outcome.

Methods

Data were collected between April 2012 and January 2016 during the inclusion into a randomized controlled trial. Potentially eligible participants were identified through 40 chiropractic clinics located across Sweden. Patients’ expectations, psychological profile, pain intensity, activity limitation and self‐rated health were collected from patients with recurrent persistent LBP during their first chiropractic visit (n = 593). Subjective improvement was measured at the fourth visit.

Results

Patients with a high expectation of improvement had 58% higher risk to report an improvement at the fourth visit (RR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.95). Controlling for potential confounders only slightly decreased the strength of this association (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.20, 1.86). Baseline pain intensity, psychological profile and self‐rated health did not modify the effect of expectation on outcome.

Conclusions

Baseline patients’ expectations play an important role when predicting LBP treatment outcomes. Clinicians should consider and address patients’ expectations at the first visit to best inform prognosis.

Significance

This study confirms the importance of patients’ expectations in a clinical setting. Patients’ expectations predict the short‐term outcome of chiropractic care for LBP. Pain intensity, psychological profile and self‐rated health did not modify this relationship.
Flexible Nanofiber‐Reinforced Solid Polymer Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Ren Xiaolei , Turcheniuk Kostiantyn , Wang Fujia , Song Ah-Young , Huang Qiao , Xiao Yiran , Kim Kyounghwa , Yushin Gleb
Published: April 2019

Herein, the new concept of an all‐nanofiber‐reinforced multifunctional battery is developed and demonstrated. The conventional liquid electrolyte, polymer separator, and powder‐based cathode are replaced by a nanofiber‐enhanced solid polymer electrolyte and carbon nanotube (CNT) fabric conformably coated with an active cathode material. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of iron phosphate (FePO4) is selected for the cathode fabrication in this first demonstration. Oxide nanofibers in the polymer electrolyte greatly enhance the electrochemical stability of the electrolyte and resistance to Li dendrite shortening at higher current densities. In addition, the oxide nanofibers increase the polymer mechanical strength and strain by 20–30%. The stand‐alone CNT@FePO4 cathode infiltrated with the polymer electrolyte exhibits more than five times higher modulus of toughness than that of the Al current collector. The as‐produced structural battery based on these fabricated components exhibits exceptional stability with no signs of performance decay at 50 °C, thus demonstrating great promise of the new architecture for a broad range of multifunctional and flexible battery applications.
The legacy of cover crops on the soil habitat and ecosystem services in a heavy clay, minimum tillage rotation
Authors: Crotty Felicity V. , Stoate Chris
Published: April 2019

Cover crops are grown as potential ways to improve soil fertility, soil structure, and biodiversity, while reducing weed/pest burdens. Yet, increased costs (in both time and fuel), farmer knowledge requirements, and yield uncertainty (green bridge effect and variable crop establishment) have led to hesitation among farmers. This study was conducted at the field scale (covering an area of nearly 20 hectares) to determine whether different cover crop mixtures affected soil properties and ecosystem services on a heavy clay soil. Measurements of soil chemistry, physics, biology, weed abundance, and subsequent crop performance were taken within a minimum tillage management system, across three cover crop mixtures (commonly sold to UK farmers). The cover crop mixtures included oats (Avena sativa), radish (Raphanus sativus), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), vetch (Vicia sativa), legumes, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and a bare stubble control followed by a spring oat crop. Soil physics (penetrometer and bulk density) and chemistry (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, and organic matter) varied little across treatments, although there was significantly lower Mg in the cover crop including legumes and an increase in NO3 within this treatment. Soil biology and botanical composition were also assessed, monitoring earthworm and mesofauna abundance; and sown and unsown (weed) biomass. Epigeic earthworms were found to have significantly larger abundance in cover crop mixtures with radish present, although other meso‐ and macrofauna did not differ. Significant weed suppression was found during both the cover crop growing period and as a legacy in the subsequent crop, leading to significant yield increases and economic benefits in some treatments. Our study confirms that cover crops are providing benefits, even on heavy clay soils, including improvements in nutrient leaching risk reduction, weed suppression, and crop yield, coupled with wider ecosystem benefits. We therefore consider cover crops to have a role in sustainable management of arable rotations.
Heparanase promotes glioma progression via enhancing CD24 expression
Authors: Barash Uri , Spyrou Argyris , Liu Pei , Vlodavsky Euvgeni , Zhu Chenchen , Luo Juanjuan , Su Dongsheng , Ilan Neta , Forsberg‐Nilsson Karin , Vlodavsky Israel , Yang Xiaojun
Published: April 2019

Heparanase is an endo‐β‐d‐glucuronidase that cleaves heparan sulfate (HS) side chains of heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Compelling evidence tie heparanase levels with all steps of tumor formation including tumor initiation, growth, metastasis and chemo‐resistance, likely involving augmentation of signaling pathways and gene transcription. In order to reveal the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the protumorigenic properties of heparanase, we established an inducible (Tet‐on) system in U87 human glioma cells and applied gene array methodology in order to identify genes associated with heparanase induction. We found that CD24, a mucin‐like cell adhesion protein, is consistently upregulated by heparanase and by heparanase splice variant devoid of enzymatic activity, whereas heparanase gene silencing was associated with decreased CD24 expression. This finding was further substantiated by a similar pattern of heparanase and CD24 immunostaining in glioma patients (Pearson's correlation; R = 0.66, p = 0.00001). Noteworthy, overexpression of CD24 stimulated glioma cell migration, invasion, colony formation in soft agar and tumor growth in mice suggesting that CD24 functions promote tumor growth. Likewise, anti‐CD24 neutralizing monoclonal antibody attenuated glioma tumor growth, and a similar inhibition was observed in mice treated with a neutralizing mAb directed against L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), a ligand for CD24. Importantly, significant shorter patient survival was found in heparanase‐high/CD24‐high tumors vs. heparanase‐high/CD24‐low tumors for both high‐grade and low‐grade glioma (p = 0.02). Our results thus uncover a novel heparanase–CD24–L1CAM axis that plays a significant role in glioma tumorigenesis.
The improvement of cell infiltration in an electrospun scaffold with multiple synthetic biodegradable polymers using sacrificial PEO microparticles
Authors: Hodge Jacob , Quint Clay
Published: April 2019

Electrospinning is a fabrication technique to generate three dimensional scaffolds with a fiber structure that imitates extracellular matrix for tissue engineering constructs. The versatile characteristics of the electrospinning process yields designer scaffolds made of biodegradable polymers or natural proteins with controllable fiber diameters, biodegradation, and mechanical properties. A limitation of conventional electrospun scaffolds is the dense fiber packing with low porosity that leads to poor cell infiltration. Electrospraying sacrificial polyethylene oxide (PEO) microparticles in combination with electrospun scaffolds are a method to increase porosity. We report the effectiveness of electrospraying PEO microparticles to increase porosity of the most commonly used biodegradable polymers: polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA), and polycaprolactone (PCL). The biodegradable polymer electrospun scaffolds with the sacrificial PEO microparticles were found to have improved cell proliferation and infiltration with human fibroblasts compared to conventional electrospun scaffolds. The mechanical properties of the more robust PGA and PLGA had minor changes, but the more elastic PCL was observed to be weaker and less stiff after the removal of the PEO microparticles. Therefore, this study found PEO microparticles can increase porosity and cell infiltration with stable mechanical properties for a wide variety of biodegradable polymers in electrospun scaffolds.
Decreased expression of FcγRII in active Graves' disease patients
Authors: Lu Xixuan , Peng Shiqiao , Wang Xinyi , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Weiping
Published: April 2019

Background

Graves' disease (GD) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by genetic and environmental factors. Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) are involved in several autoimmune disorders through recognizing immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies and mediating immune response. The study on the expression of FcγRs in GD patients is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of three different types of FcγRs in patients with active and remissive GD.

Methods

Blood samples of patients and healthy subjects were collected to analyze the percentage of FcγRI (CD64), FcγRII (CD32), and FcγRIII (CD16) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocytes by flow cytometry and Western blotting. CD32 isotypes were also examined in cases and controls by real‐time PCR.

Results

The cell percentages expressed CD32 and protein expressions of CD32 on PBMCs, and monocytes from patients with active GD were significantly reduced compared to controls and patients with remissive GD. In particular, the expression of CD32B on PBMC was also decreased in active GD patients. However, the cell percentages expressed CD16 and CD64 from PBMCs and monocytes were comparable between three groups. Besides, the percentages of CD14+CD32+ cells were negatively correlated with TRAb titers in active GD patients (r = −0.5825, P ＜ 0.001).

Conclusion

These results suggested that CD32 may act as a novel marker for active GDs. The expression of monocytic CD32, in particular CD32B, in GD patients might play a crucial role in maintaining FcγRs function and be a therapeutic target in GD patients.
Biologging subcutaneous temperatures to detect orientation to solar radiation remotely in savanna antelope
Authors: Botha Arista , Lease Hilary M. , Fuller Andrea , Mitchell Duncan , Hetem Robyn S.
Published: April 2019

Observations of animal thermoregulatory behavior are labor‐intensive, and human presence may disturb the normal behavior of the animal. Therefore, we investigated whether a remote biologging technique could be used to detect orientation to solar radiation in savanna antelope. We predicted that when a mammal was orientated perpendicular to solar radiation, the subcutaneous temperature on the side of the body facing the sun would be greater than that on the opposite side, whereas when the mammal was orientated parallel to solar radiation, subcutaneous temperatures on both sides would be similar. A pilot study showed that the difference between left‐ and right‐side temperatures under a pelt reflected orientation to solar radiation if a pelt‐covered cylinder had been orientated for 15 min or longer. In addition, the rate of change in temperature difference could detect orientation that had changed within the previous 5 min. We implanted temperature‐sensitive data loggers subcutaneously into the flanks of eight black (Connochaetes gnu) and eight blue (Connochaetes taurinus) wildebeest. By incorporating both the rate of change and subcutaneous temperature differences and excluding times when wildebeest were lying down, our predictions correctly matched behavioral observations of wildebeest orientation to solar radiation 71% of the time. Our technique tended to fail when wildebeest were lying down, wind speeds were high and the sun was overhead. But those are conditions in which the benefits of manipulating orientation to solar radiation is of diminishing importance to a free‐living mammal. Therefore, subcutaneous temperatures provide physiologically relevant information on the importance of solar radiation to mammals.
Genome‐wide comparison of codon usage dynamics in mitochondrial genes across different species of amphibian genus Bombina
Authors: Barbhuiya Parvin A. , Uddin Arif , Chakraborty Supriyo
Published: April 2019

The biological phenomenon where some synonymous codons are repeatedly preferred to others in gene transcripts is called codon usage bias (CUB). The analysis of CUB is not only helpful in evolutionary biology but also in improving the expression level of exogenous genes in the host cell by codon optimization. The overall nucleotide composition analysis demonstrated an unequal distribution of four nucleobases and T% was the highest in all seven species. The genes were AT‐rich, evident from overall low GC content. In addition, third codon position analysis indicated that in four Bombina species namely, Bombina fortinuptialis, Bombina lichuanensis, Bombina maxima, Bombina microdeladigitora, nucleobase A3/T3 was the preferred one, whereas A3/C3 was favored in Bombina bombina, Bombina orientalis, and Bombina variegata. Influence of mutation pressure on codon distribution and codon bias was evident from correlation analysis. Correspondence analysis demonstrated that compositional bias driven by mutation pressure along with natural selection acted on CUB of mitochondrial genes. Neutrality plot revealed that natural selection played a major role whereas mutation pressure had a minor but significant role. Our phylogenetic analyses showed that closely linked species belonging to the same genus were noticeably separated in different clades.
CBHL transforming leadership, advancing future vision
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2019

Building on four decades of enhancing leadership in systems and organizations serving people with behavioral health needs, the College of Behavioral Health Leadership (CBHL) announced April 16 plans to advance its mission and efforts to bring new leaders to the fold.
APA agreement increases access to care in certain states
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2019

An agreement that will allow psychologists to practice in certain states even if they are not licensed there is an important step toward getting psychological care to people who most need it, according to the president of the American Psychological Association (APA).
A reduced‐order extrapolated natural boundary element method based on POD for the 2D hyperbolic equation in unbounded domain
Authors: Teng Fei , Luo Zhengdong , Yang Jing
Published: April 2019

In this article, we primarily focuses to study the order‐reduction for the classical natural boundary element (NBE) method for the two‐dimensional (2D) hyperbolic equation in unbounded domain. To this end, we first build a semi‐discretized format about time for the hyperbolic equation and discuss the existence, stability, and convergence of the time semi‐discretized solutions. We then establish the classical fully discretized NBE format from the time semi‐discretized one and analyze the existence, stability, and convergence of the classical NBE solutions. Next, using proper orthogonal decomposition method, we build a reduced‐order extrapolated NBE (ROENBE) format containing very few unknowns but having adequately high accuracy, and we also discuss the existence, stability, and convergence of the ROENBE solutions. Finally, we use some numerical examples to show that the ROENBE method is far superior to the classical NBE one. It shows that the ROENBE method is reliable and effective for solving the 2D hyperbolic equation with the unbounded domain.
Clostridium butyricum Strains Suppress Experimental Acute Pancreatitis by Maintaining Intestinal Homeostasis
Authors: Pan Li‐Long , Niu Wenying , Fang Xin , Liang Wenjie , Li Hongli , Chen Wei , Zhang Hao , Bhatia Madhav , Sun Jia
Published: April 2019

Scope

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common abdominal inflammatory disease. Disturbed gut homeostasis secondary to pancreatic inflammation aggravates the condition retroactively. The current study investigates potential beneficial effects of Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) strains on AP and underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

C. butyricum strains MIYAIRI 588 (CBM588) and CGMCC0313.1 (CB0313.1) were supplemented to mice for three weeks before experimental AP or SAP induction. Both CBM588 and CB0313.1 protected against AP, as evidenced by reduced serum amylase and lipase levels, pancreatic edema, and myeloperoxidase activity. Amelioration of both experimental AP and SAP by CB0313.1 indicated a non‐model‐specific effect. Moreover, C. butyricum inhibited pancreatic neutrophil and dendritic cell infiltration, nucleotide‐binding domain leucine‐rich repeat‐containing family, pyrin domain‐containing 3 inflammasome activation, and pro‐inflammatory pathways. Additionally in the gut, C. butyricum strains attenuated AP‐associated intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction, accompanied with reduced pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Enterococcus penetration into pancreas. Gut microbiome analyses further revealed that beneficial effects of C. butyricum on pancreatic‐gut homeostasis were correlated with improved dysbiosis. In particular, relative abundance of Desulfovibrionaceae decreased, and Verrucomicrobiaceae Clostridiaceae and Lactobacillaceae increased.

Conclusions

For the first time, a protective effect of C. butyricum in AP by modulating intestinal homeostasis is demonstrated.
The RitualThiyóšpayeand the Social Organization of Contemporary Lakota Ceremonial Life
Authors: Posthumus David C.
Published: April 2019

This paper examines continuity and change in Lakota belief and ritual, focusing on the social organization of contemporary Lakota ceremonial life. For many Lakotas of Pine Ridge Reservation ritual structures life. The contemporary religious landscape consists of a number of ritual groups, which I call ritualthiyóšpayes, after the Lakota word for band or lodge group, the extended family and historical basic unit of kinship. At the center of these groups is a religious practitioner, a symbol of group identity and solidarity. Ritualthiyóšpayes consist of core and sub‐core member families that regularly attend rituals and other corporately sponsored social events. The cohesion of a ritualthiyóšpayeis based largely on equality, mutual help, participation, and one‐mindedness. The relationship between a practitioner and his ritualthiyóšpayeis dynamic, characterized by reciprocity, mutual influence, and exchange: the practitioner shapes the beliefs, worldview, and identity of his followers, symbolizing the group to both members and nonmembers, while simultaneously being shaped by his followers as a representative of their social, psychological, and religious needs, beliefs, and values. Although patterns of social interaction have changed since the dawn of the reservation period, there remains a distinct and undeniable continuity with past traditions.
Urban ecosystems: A new frontier for payments for ecosystem services
Authors: Richards Daniel R. , Thompson Benjamin S.
Published: April 2019

Urban ecosystems provide many benefits to people, including regulation of environmental conditions, recreational opportunities, and positive health impacts. However, many urban ecosystems are under pressure from increasing urbanisation, because the economic benefits they provide are rarely captured by the people who own and manage them. Such ecosystems are seldom economically competitive compared to more profitable residential, commercial, and industrial land uses.

To develop more sustainable cities, we require new approaches for encouraging and enabling interventions that maintain, improve and create urban ecosystems. Payments for ecosystem services (PES) schemes are increasingly used to incentivise conservation and changes in environmental management in rural settings, but this approach has rarely been considered in cities. Here, we explain how payments for urban ecosystem services (PUES) could help protect, restore, and manage urban ecosystems.

To implement PUES, we must understand the differences between various public and private actors who could potentially provide or benefit from urban ecosystem services. For example, utilities companies could pay for reduced water treatment costs via deculverting streams, homeowners could pay for improved stormwater management via increasing permeable surface area, and business proprietors could pay for street tree installation and maintenance to provide shade and reduce air conditioning costs.

Urban densities, land values, and land tenure will impact the types of PUES projects that are most likely to be viable. To be successful, PUES will require an improved understanding of urban ecosystem service science—particularly how service provision changes under different land management practices.

Nevertheless, because of the high densities, co‐location, and wide variety of stakeholders that live in cities, there is potential for PUES to become an innovative funding source to support future urban ecosystem management.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Mechanical properties of UV‐curable carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composite patch: Repair evaluation of damaged aluminum alloy
Authors: He Yannan , Liu Xiaoyan , Yu Zhiqiang
Published: April 2019

Epoxy resin composite patches reinforced by carbon fiber were prepared through ultraviolet (UV)–curing method, and the damaged aluminum alloy plates are rapidly repaired by means of adhesively bonding method. Mechanical properties of the composite patches and damaged aluminum alloy plates before and after repair were studied by experiment and numerical simulation. Results indicated that the tensile properties of carbon fiber/epoxy resin composite patches presented the tendency of first increase and then decrease with the increase of layer numbers of reinforced fiber. The composite patches with two layers fiber showed the best tensile properties, and the tensile strength and modulus reached 1.13 GPa and 27.79 GPa, respectively. However, the bending strength of composite patches decreased with the increase of layer numbers. Results of performance evaluation on the mechanical properties of damaged aluminum alloy plates repaired by the two layers carbon fiber/epoxy resin composite patches showed that the repair efficiency of tensile and bending properties of the repaired aluminum alloys reached more than 83% and 160%, respectively, compared with the undamaged aluminum alloys. Besides, results of numerical simulation showed that the stress intensity factor (SIF) of the crack tip on repaired aluminum alloy plates decreased significantly in comparison with the unrepaired aluminum alloy plates, which further revealing the reinforced mechanism of composite patches on the bending properties of repaired aluminum alloy plates.
The relationship of child executive functions to parenting capacities in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors
Authors: Sharkey Christina M. , Clawson Ashley H. , Mullins Larry L. , Brinkman Tara M. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Hudson Melissa M. , Krull Kevin R.
Published: April 2019

Objective

The current study examined associations between child executive functions and parenting capacities in long‐term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods

Participants included 188 parent‐child dyads; children were at least 8 years of age, 5 years postdiagnosis of ALL, and previously treated with chemotherapy only. Parents completed the Parental Protection Scale (PPS), Child Vulnerability Scale (CVS), and Decision‐Making Questionnaire (DMQ). Children completed measures of executive functioning and general cognitive abilities. Multivariate multiple regression examined associations between child executive functioning and parenting, while controlling for child age, treatment risk, maternal education, and child intelligence quotient. An exploratory aim identified latent profiles of parenting capacities.

Results

Higher child cognitive flexibility (β = –0.16, P = .02) and planning abilities (β = –0.16, P = .049) were related to less parental overprotection. No other neurocognitive measures were related to child autonomy in decision making or perceived child vulnerability. For the exploratory aim, we found (a) a large class defined by normative parenting (94.3%) and (b) a small class characterized by higher levels of child vulnerability and overprotection. Class membership was unrelated to executive functioning, but higher maternal education was related to higher odds of class 2 membership (OR = 0.58, P = .04).

Conclusions

Results suggest that parents respond to child executive function difficulties with greater overprotection, which may be adaptive but not conducive to the development of independence. Although most parents report normative levels of child vulnerability and overprotection, a small subset demonstrate parenting practices that may place some survivors at risk for adverse outcomes.
Spiritual assessment and spiritual care offerings as a standard of care in pediatric oncology: A recommendation informed by a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Robert Rhonda , Stavinoha Pete , Jones Barbara L. , Robinson Jacob , Larson Kara , Hicklen Rachel , Smith Blake , Perko Kathleen , Koch Kendra , Findley Stephen , Weaver Meaghann S.
Published: April 2019

Children with cancer and their families experience shifts in spiritual wellness from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship or bereavement. An interdisciplinary team conducted a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative research on spiritual assessments, interventions, and outcomes in childhood cancer following PRISMA guidelines using a PROSPERO registered protocol. Thirty‐nine well‐designed studies were included in the final analysis. The findings from this systematic review indicate the need for early spiritual assessment with offering of continued support for the spiritual functioning of children with cancer and their families as a standard of care.