bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O Programa Bolsa Família e suas repercussões no território: o caso de Chapecó-SC
Authors: Medeiros Bruna Taize de , Kist Rosane Bernardete Brochier
Published: October 2019

Neste artigo apresentam-se resultados de uma pesquisa sobre a repercussão das condicionalidades do Programa Bolsa Família no município de Chapecó, no estado de Santa Catarina, a partir do acesso das famílias beneficiárias aos direitos socioassistenciais. Utilizou-se o método de abordagem materialista e histórico, com enfoque qualitativo e exploratório. Realizou-se revisão bibliográfica, pesquisa documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas com nove [9] famílias beneficiárias e com doze [12] profissionais dos CRAS. Constata-se que há inúmeros desafios quanto à oferta de serviços nas áreas de Assistência Social, Saúde e Educação, o que pode comprometer os resultados previstos a partir das condicionalidades do programa. Identifica-se a necessidade de haver uma articulação intersetorial, de forma a garantir o fortalecimento da rede de serviços socioassistenciais e a proteção social das famílias beneficiárias do território analisado.
Titanium Nitride Modified Photoluminescence from Single Semiconductor Nanoplatelets
Authors: Peng Lintao , Wang Xuejing , Coropceanu Igor , Martinson Alex B. , Wang Haiyan , Talapin Dmitri V. , Ma Xuedan
Published: October 2019

Titanium nitride (TiN) is an alternative plasmonic material that has the potential for visible and near‐infrared optical applications due to its distinct properties. Here, coupling effects between TiN nanohole array films and nearby excitonic emitters, semiconductor nanoplatelets (NPLs), are investigated using single particle spectroscopy. At the emission wavelength of the NPLs, the local field enhancement close to the surface of the TiN nanohole array films induces an increase in the radiative decay rates of the emitters by a factor of up to 2. This effect diminishes quickly as the distance between the TiN nanohole array films and emitters increases. At short wavelengths where the NPLs are excited, the TiN nanohole array films exhibit lossy dielectric characteristics. Local field modification at these wavelengths leads to a reduced local density of electromagnetic states, and hence the photoluminescence intensity of the emitters. This study shows the potential of TiN as an alternative plasmonic material for optoelectronic and photonic applications, especially in the long wavelength ranges.
Efficient Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation: Enhanced Polarization, Activation, and Cleavage by Asymmetrical Electron Donation to NN Bond
Authors: Yuan Jili , Yi Xuanying , Tang Yanhong , Liu Meijun , Liu Chengbin
Published: October 2019

Photocatalytic nitrogen (N2) fixation suffers from low efficiency due to the difficult activation of the strongly nonpolar NN bond. In this study, a Ru–Co bimetal center is constructed at the interface of Ru/CoSx with S‐vacancy on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (Ru‐Vs‐CoS/CN). Upon adsorption, the two N atoms in N2 are bridged to the Ru–Co center, and the asymmetrical electron donation from Ru and Co atoms to N2 adsorbate highly polarized NN bond to double bond order. The plasmonic electric‐field‐enhancement effect enables the Ru/CoSx interface to boost the generation of energetic electrons. The Schottky barrier between Ru and CoSx endows the interface with electron transfer from CoSx to Ru. The Ru‐end bound N at the Ru–Co center is preferentially hydrogenated. As a result, the Ru‐Vs‐CoS/CN photocatalyst shows an NH3 production rate of up to 0.438 mmol g−1 h−1, reaching a high apparent quantum efficiency of 1.28% at 400 nm and solar‐to‐ammonia efficiency of 0.042% in pure water under AM1.5G light irradiation.
Cu(II)‐Mediated C−C/C−O Bond Formation via C−H/C−C Bond Cleavage: Access to Benzofurans Using Amide as a Traceless Directing Group
Authors: Yu Shuling , Lv Ningning , Liu Zhanxiang , Zhang Yuhong
Published: October 2019

A copper‐mediated synthesis of 2,3‐disubstituted benzofurans with the assistance of an 8‐aminoquinolyl auxiliary is described from readily available benzamides and benzoylacetonitriles. In this reaction, the C−C bond is successfully constructed via C−H activation, and C−O bond is subsequently formed at the original position of the amide group in a one‐pot manner. The amide directing group is detached simultaneously under the reaction conditions through C−C bond cleavage. Surprisngly, the distinct isoquinolinone products can be achieved by changing the reaction conditions using ammonia as amine source.

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Photovoltaic Voltage Regulation through Distributed Power Compensation Considering Communication Delay
Authors: Zhang Zhanqiang , Dou Chunxia , Yue Dong , Zhang Bo , Zhang Tengfei
Published: October 2019

To solve the overvoltage problem in high penetration photovoltaic (PV) system, a new voltage regulation method is proposed. First, the node voltage sensitivity to PV power is calculated. Next, an optimal power compensation scheme using a new compensation mechanism is obtained so that the node voltage can be acceptably regulated with minimum power curtailment. The maximum tolerable communication delay is also estimated based on PV power mutation during communication delay (CD). Because extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithms exhibit fast and precise prediction, they can be used here to predict PV power. Based on the predicted power, the power compensation can be appropriately corrected to achieve effective voltage regulation under abnormal CD (ACD). Finally, the results indicate that voltage deviation can be regulated to an acceptable range of 1.00–1.05 per unit by using the proposed power compensation approach to curtail reactive power or even active power. The maximum PV power error predicted by ELM algorithm is only 2.67%, which is an acceptable basis for power compensation correction under ACD. Hence, by curtailing additional PV power again, the effective voltage regulation can be finally ensured under power mutation with ACD.
Plasma levels of adiponectin and chemerin are associated with early stage of atherosclerosis in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Huahua , Zhan Junkun , Liao Bin , Wang Yanjiao , Liu Youshuo
Published: October 2019

Objective

Adipokines, such as adiponectin and chemerin, regulate fat metabolism and are critical for the development of atherosclerosis. Investigating the correlations of adiponectin and chemerin with atherosclerosis in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) will shed light on the search for new markers for early diagnosis of diabetic atherosclerosis.

Methods

A total of 120 older T2DM patients and nine healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The clinical parameters, such as brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (ba‐PWV), adiponectin, and chemerin, were examined and recorded. T2DM subjects were divided into three groups according to ba‐PWV level (high, medium, or low). The data were processed and analyzed by identical methods.

Results

Significantly higher chemerin and lower adiponectin levels were detected in the plasma of T2DM patients than in healthy controls. The plasma levels of chemerin and adiponectin were negatively correlated in T2DM patients. Moreover, chemerin and adiponectin were significantly correlated with body mass index, ankle‐brachial index, insulin, and ba‐PWV. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that chemerin and adiponectin were independently affecting ba‐PWV.

Conclusion

Adiponectin and chemerin are potential markers for diagnosis and monitoring of early stage of atherosclerosis in older adults with T2DM. Further clinical investigations are required to confirm these markers.
Bain type of X‐linked syndromic mental retardation in a male with a pathogenic variant in HNRNPH2
Authors: Somashekar Puneeth H. , Narayanan Dhanya L. , Jagadeesh Sujatha , Suresh Beena , Vaishnavi Reddy D. , Bielas Stephanie , Girisha Katta M. , Shukla Anju
Published: October 2019

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are RNA binding proteins, which aid in maturation, stabilization, and transport of mRNA. They have a significant role in cellular nucleic acid metabolism. The hnRNPs alter gene expression and are linked to various neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. Previously, six unrelated girls with developmental delay, intellectual disability, and hypotonia were found to have de novo heterozygous pathogenic missense variants in HNRNPH2, located on the X chromosome. A gain‐of‐function effect was proposed for the variant and it was thought to be lethal in males as no surviving males were identified. We describe a family with two affected siblings, one male and one female, with a known pathogenic variant in HNRNPH2, possibly due to maternal germline mosaicism.
QCM‐D assay for quantifying the swelling, biodegradation, and protein adsorption of intelligent nanogels
Authors: Clegg John R. , Ludolph Catherine M. , Peppas Nicholas A.
Published: October 2019

Environmentally responsive nanomaterials have been developed for drug delivery applications, in an effort to target and accumulate therapeutic agents at sites of disease. Within a biological system, these nanomaterials will experience diverse conditions which encompass a variety of solute identities and concentrations. In this study, we developed a new quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM‐D) assay, which enabled the quantitative analysis of nanogel swelling, protein adsorption, and biodegradation in a single experiment. As a proof of concept, we employed this assay to characterize non‐degradable and biodegradable poly(acrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid) nanogels. We compared the QCM‐D results to those obtained by dynamic light scattering to highlight the advantages and limitations of each method. We detailed our protocol development and practical recommendations, and hope that this study will serve as a guide for others to design application‐specific QCM‐D assays within the nanomedicine domain. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48655.
Mass spectrometry imaging: An emerging technology for the analysis of metabolites in insects
Authors: Yang Fei‐Ying , Chen Jun‐Hui , Ruan Qian‐Qian , Saqib Hafiz S. A. , He Wei‐Yi , You Min‐Sheng
Published: October 2019

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) can visualize the composition, abundance, and spatial distribution of molecules in tissues or cells, which has been widely used in the research of life science. Insects, especially the agricultural pests, have received a great deal of interests from the scientists in biodiversity and food security. This review introduces the major characteristics of MSI, summarizes its application to the investigation of insect endogenous metabolites, exogenous metabolites, and the spatiotemporal changes of metabolites between insects and plants, and discusses its shortfalls and perspectives. The significance of these concerns is beneficial for future insect research such as physiology and metabolism.
Exponential and weak stabilization for distributed bilinear systems with time delay via bounded feedback control
Authors: Tsouli Azzeddine , El Houch Atmane
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we deal with the problem of exponential and weak stabilization for a class of distributed bilinear systems with time delay in a Hilbert space by using bounded feedback control. In the case of exponential stabilization, an explicit decay rate estimate of the stabilized state is given provided that a non‐standard observability inequality condition is satisfied. The compactness hypothesis of the control operator prevents the validity of the non‐standard observability inequality, thus it can be relaxed to a weaker sufficient condition to show the weak stabilization result by employing the same feedback control. Finally, numerical examples and simulations to hyperbolic and parabolic partial functional differential equations are considered to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
An oppositeness in the cosmology: Distribution of the gamma ray bursts and the cosmological principle
Authors: Mészáros Attila
Published: October 2019

The Cosmological Principle is the assumption that the universe is spatially homogeneous and isotropic on the large‐scale average. In 1998, the author, together with his two colleagues, demonstrated that the BATSE's short gamma ray bursts are not distributed isotropically in the sky. This claim was then followed by other papers confirming both the existence of anisotropies in the angular distribution of bursts and the existence of huge Gpc structures in the spatial distribution. These observational facts are in contradiction with the Cosmological Principle because the large‐scale average can hardly be provided. The aim of this study is to survey these publications.
The use of the Monte Carlo methods in studying Fanaroff‐Riley II‐type radio sources
Authors: Kuligowska Elżbieta Marzena
Published: October 2019

General Monte Carlo methods are a broad class of algorithms relying on repeated random sampling to obtain numerical results in many physical problems. The underlying concept is to use randomness to solve problems that might be deterministic in principle. They are often used in problems with many coupled degrees of freedom. I present the possible use of these methods in the case of the analytical KDA (Kaiser, Dennett‐Thorpe & Alexander, 1997) model of Fanaroff‐Riley's II (FR II)‐type radio sources assuming the continuum injection process in the jet–intergalactic medium interaction. Since this model is characterized by a large number of free parameters and originally requires knowing the large number of parameters unknown a priori, the use of the Monte Carlo methods is well justified. I discuss the application of these methods and its reliability in the case of the selected real radio sources.
The study of coherent optical pulsations of the millisecond pulsar PSR J1023+0038 on Russian 6‐m telescope
Authors: Karpov Sergey , Beskin Grigory , Plokhotnichenko Vladimir , Shibanov Yuri , Zyuzin Dmitry
Published: October 2019

We observed the millisecond redback pulsar PSR J1023+0038 in its accreting regime on two nights in November 2017 on Russian 6‐m telescope with a high‐temporal resolution panoramic photometer‐polarimeter in a two‐channel (“blue” and “red”) setup. During 400 s (12% of nearly 3 hr of total observations), we detected coherent optical pulsations in both color bands with 1.69‐ms period, corresponding to the rotational period of neutron star known from the radio data, with amplitudes of 2.1% (“red”) and 1.3% (“blue”). Corresponding luminosity of pulsed component is about 1031 erg s−1 and may be caused by a synchrotron emission of electrons with moderate Lorentz factors close to a light cylinder during the interaction of accretion disk with ejected matter modulated with rotational period.
Applying weighted image coaddition to observations of GRB optical afterglows at the D50 telescope in Ondřejov
Authors: Jelínek Martin , Kann David A. , Štrobl Jan , Hudec René
Published: October 2019

One of the primary observational objectives of the 0.5 m robotic telescope of Ondřejov observatory is the ground‐based follow‐up of gamma‐ray burst triggers. This independent robotic observatory has been in operation since 2008 and has followed up more than a hundred events localized by the Swift or INTEGRAL satellites. We describe the use of the weighted coaddition of astronomical images while applying this method to observations of GRB optical afterglows. We present optical photometric observations of the detected optical afterglows. The collection contains several faint optical afterglows, in some cases a lightcurve is available, in some cases only a single point detection has been achieved. A brief collection of available information is presented for each of the events together with our fitting and analysis.
The first observation of an optical counterpart to a short gamma‐ray burst from the Czech Republic: GRB 160927A
Authors: Trčka Šimon , Jelínek Martin , Štrobl Jan
Published: October 2019

We present the earliest observations of the short Gamma‐Ray Burst, GRB 160927A, by the D50 telescope from the Ondřejov Observatory. The 50‐cm robotic telescope reacted to the alert of GRB 160927A and started obtaining unfiltered images 40 s after the trigger with a total exposure of 7,230 s. The magnitude obtained by D50 reached 22.4 ± 0.3 mag not corrected for the galactic foreground extinction of 0.2 mag. We obtained the temporal decay index with α = 0.93 ± 0.03 and the spectral slope with β = 0.68 ± 0.2.
RISEPix—A Timepix‐based radiation monitor telescope onboard the RISESAT satellite
Authors: Filgas Robert , Malich Milan , Kuwahara Toshinori , Broulím Jan , Holík Michael , Sakal Morokot , Murata Yu , Tomio Hannah , Gohl Stefan , Pineda T. Johan M.
Published: October 2019

Rapid International Scientific Experiment Satellite (RISESAT) is a small Japanese experimental Earth‐observing, science and technology demonstration satellite. One of the scientific instruments onboard is a miniature radiation monitor telescope RISEPix with two Timepix detectors, developed and built at the Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, Czech Technical University in Prague. After its successful launch in January 2019, RISESAT joined two other still operational satellites with our Timepix‐based radiation monitors, SATRAM onboard the ESA satellite Proba‐V (launched in 2013) and the Czech VZLUSAT‐1 cubesat (launched 2017). In this work, we present general technical and scientific details about the RISESAT satellite mission and the RISEPix module, and a basic comparison of space weather monitoring from SATRAM and VZLUSAT‐1 radiation monitors.
Robustheit gedrungener Stahlbetonstützen
Authors: Empelmann Martin , Matz Henrik
Published: October 2019

Ein robustes Tragwerk soll die Auswirkungen von unplanmäßigen Einwirkungen so begrenzen, dass diese in einem vertretbaren Verhältnis zur Ursache stehen. Ein schlagartiges Versagen oder ein progressiver Kollaps muss verhindert werden. Im Rahmen einer Gesamtanalyse ist die Kenntnis über das Verhalten der maßgebenden Einzelbauteile unverzichtbar. Während ein schlagartiges Zugversagen bei biegebeanspruchten Bauteilen durch die Mindestbiegezugbewehrung verhindert wird, kann ein robustes Bauteilversagen bei Stahlbetonstützen durch die derzeitigen Regelungen zur konstruktiven Durchbildung nicht in allen Fällen garantiert werden. Zur Beleuchtung dieses Defizits gibt der vorliegende Beitrag zunächst einen Überblick über die Robustheit von Stahlbetonstützen. Es wird ein Modell vorgestellt, mit dem das Trag‐ und Nachbruchverhalten von Stahlbetonstützen praxisnah abgebildet werden kann und mit dem eine einfache Einschätzung der Robustheit möglich ist. Anschließend werden an einem Beispiel Maßnahmen zur gezielten Beeinflussung der Robustheit von Stahlbetonstützen untersucht.
The influence of green marketing strategies on business performance and corporate image in the retail sector
Authors: Mukonza Chipo , Swarts Ilze
Published: October 2019

Green marketing strategies are employed by many enterprises to enhance their corporate image and business performance. Green marketing is perceived as the commitment of a business or an organisation towards the development of safe, eco‐friendly goods and services by employing recyclable and easily decomposed packaging, better pollution prevention methods, and a more efficient use of energy. Against this background, the study followed a case study approach using South Africa's retail giants, Woolworths and Pick n Pay. Stratified purposive sampling was used to carry out in‐depth interviews and administer questionnaires with senior management of the selected retailers. In addition, document and website analyses were used for triangulation purposes. Path analysis and content analysis were used to establish the correlation. The study established that green marketing strategy has a positive effect on corporate image and on business performance. The paper recommends that if enterprises are to sustain competitive advantage, particularly in the retail sector, it is in their best interest to adopt green marketing strategies.
FEN1 inhibitor increases sensitivity of radiotherapy in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Li Jin‐Li , Wang Jian‐Ping , Chang Hong , Deng Sheng‐Ming , Du Jia‐Hui , Wang Xiao‐Xiao , Hu He‐Juan , Li Dong‐Yin , Xu Xiang‐Bin , Guo Wei‐Qiang , Song Yao‐Hua , Guo Zhigang , Sun Min‐Xuan , Wu Yi‐Wei , Liu Song‐Bai
Published: October 2019

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer‐associated mortality among affected women in the world. At present, treatment with weekly cisplatin plus ionizing radiation (IR) therapy is the standard regimen for cervical cancer, especially for locally advanced cervical cancer. The purpose of this study is to determine whether FEN1 inhibitors could enhance the therapeutic effect of IR therapy.

Methods

Western blot was applied to determine the expression of FEN1‐ and apoptosis‐related proteins. Cell growth inhibition assay and colony formation assay were used to determine the effects of FEN1 inhibitor and IR exposure for Hela cells in vitro. CRISPR technology was used to knockdown FEN1 expression level of 293T cells, and tumor xenograft in nude mice was employed to determine the effects of FEN1 inhibitor and IR exposure on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

Our data revealed that FEN1 is overexpressed in HeLa cell and can be upregulated further by IR. We also demonstrated that FEN1 inhibitor enhances IR sensitivity of cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

FEN1 inhibitor SC13 could sensitize radiotherapy of cervical cancer cell.
Promotion effects of mono‐2‐ethyhexyl phthalate (MEHP) on migration and invasion of human melanoma cells via activation of TGF‐β signals
Authors: Fan Pengju , Li Zhen , Zuo Chenchen , Fang Man
Published: October 2019

Malignant melanoma is one of the most leading forms of skin cancer associated with a low patient survival rate. There is an urgent need to illustrate risk factors that can trigger the motility of melanoma cancer cells. Our present study revealed that mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP) exposure can significantly increase the in vitro migration and invasion of WM983A and A375 cells. Among the tested cytokines, MEHP can increase the expression of transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β). Inhibition of TGF‐β via its neutralization antibody can attenuate MEHP‐induced cell migration and invasion. Further, upregulation of TGF‐β mediated MEHP‐induced activation of Smad signals and upregulation of Snail in melanoma cells. Blocking the TGF‐β/Smad signal pathway can attenuate MEHP‐induced cell migration. Estrogen receptor α (ERα) was essential for MEHP‐induced expression of TGF‐β. In addition, MEHP can increase the expression of ERα in melanoma cells. Collectively, our study found that MEHP can stimulate the progression of melanoma via TGF‐β signals.

Significance

Mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP) is the active and most toxic metabolite of di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP). Our present study revealed that MEHP can trigger the in vitro migration and invasion of melanoma cells via upregulation of TGF‐β/Snail signals. It revealed that daily exposure to MEHP might be a risk factor for melanoma patients.
Benign posterior mediastinal schwannoma—Multiple diagnostic imaging modalities
Authors: Song Yeo‐Jeong , Seol Sang‐Hoon , Kim Seunghwan , Kim Dong‐Kie , Kim Ki‐Hun , Kim Doo‐Il , Kang Do‐Kyun , Kim Ji Yeon
Published: October 2019

Schwannoma is usually benign, encapsulated spindle cell tumor which arises from schwann cells of nerve sheath, and is the most common of the neurogenic mediastinal tumors. Various imaging modalities can be applied to assess posterior mediastinal mass which is often found incidentally without symptom and frequently misdiagnosed for other benign conditions both clinically and radiologically in which clinicians should be aware of.
Water Splitting Performance Enhancement of the TiO2 Nanorod Array Electrode with Ultrathin Black Phosphorus Nanosheets
Authors: Xu Yuanmei , Wang Xin , Jin Mingliang , Kempa Krzysztof , Shui Lingling
Published: October 2019

Metal free two‐dimensional (2D) semiconductor nanomaterial black phosphorus (BP) is a promising photocatalyst for solar H2 evolution. Here, ultrathin BP nanosheets were prepared through organic salt sodium citrate assisted exfoliation of bulk BP. Further, an efficient photoelectrode for photoelectrochemical water splitting was developed based on TiO2 nanorod arrays, coated with ultrathin black phosphorus nanosheets. Compared to the pure TiO2 nanorod arrays, this structure exhibits reduced photoluminescent emission, longer carrier lifetime, and a strong photocurrent density enhancement of about 140 %. The high photoelectrochemical performance indicated the formed 2D‐1D BP/TiO2 heterostructure facilitates the charge separation and transfer. The interfacial interactions between black phosphorus and TiO2 were thoroughly investigated with XPS and FTIR spectroscopy.
Carbon Tunneling in the Automerization of Cyclo[18]carbon
Authors: Nandi Ashim , Solel Ephrath , Kozuch Sebastian
Published: October 2019

Cyclo[18]carbon (C18), a recently synthesized carbon allotrope, was found to have a polyynic ground‐state structure with D9h symmetry and formally alternating single and triple bonds. Yet, under less influencing experimental conditions this molecule might undergo an automerization reaction between its two degenerate geometries through a cumulenic (non‐alternating, adjacent double bonds) D18h transition state. Herein, we discuss the role of quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT) in this degenerate reaction. Our computations predict that at the experimental temperature (5 K) the reaction in the gas phase is completely driven by an extremely rapid heavy atom tunneling (k=2.1×108 s−1). Even when approaching room temperature, the QMT rate is still an order of magnitude faster than the semi‐classical one. We propose an experimental test to support our prediction, by measuring a characteristic tunneling energy splitting within the radio wave region. Additionally, we examine the role of QMT in other hypothetical C4n+2 carbon clusters.
Modelling of solid formation by heterogeneous reactions through a multicomponent transport model of diluted ionic species: Simulation of barite fouling in a geothermal heat exchanger
Authors: Cazenave Florian , Bernada Philippe , Couture Frédéric , Serin Jean‐Paul
Published: October 2019

A general model is proposed in order to describe the growth of a deposit by heterogeneous reactions. The hydrodynamics in the fluid is described by a multicomponent transport model for ionic species diluted in a solvent and heat transfer is taken into account in both liquid and solid domains. The boundary condition at the interface where the reaction takes place is described thoroughly. It involves the reaction kinetics and gives access to the velocity of the interface, ie, the mass rate of the solid deposit. The model is then applied to the case of barite crystallization in a heat exchanger. The liquid phase is therefore composed of two ionic species Ba2+ and SO42− diluted in water. The solid phase is modelled as a homogeneous barite deposit. The fully dynamic CFD simulation of the model is made using Comsol Multiphysics, in a cylindrical pipe. The solid growth is analyzed over time and space in terms of the relevant variables of the model.
Ligand‐ and Structure‐Based Approaches of Escherichia coli FabI Inhibition by Triclosan Derivatives: From Chemical Similarity to Protein Dynamics Influence
Authors: Kronenberger Thales , de Oliveira Fernades Philipe , Drumond Franco Isabella , Poso Antti , Gonçalves Maltarollo Vinícius
Published: October 2019

Enoyl‐acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI) is the limiting step to complete the elongation cycle in type II fatty acid synthase (FAS) systems and is a relevant target for antibacterial drugs. E. coli FabI has been employed as a model to develop new inhibitors against FAS, especially triclosan and diphenyl ether derivatives. Chemical similarity models (CSM) were used to understand which features were relevant for FabI inhibition. Exhaustive screening of different CSM parameter combinations featured chemical groups, such as the hydroxy group, as relevant to distinguish between active/decoy compounds. Those chemical features can interact with the catalytic Tyr156. Further molecular dynamics simulation of FabI revealed the ionization state as a relevant for ligand stability. Also, our models point the balance between potency and the occupancy of the hydrophobic pocket. This work discusses the strengths and weak points of each technique, highlighting the importance of complementarity among approaches to elucidate EcFabI inhibitor's binding mode and offers insights for future drug discovery.
Poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]‐Modified Magnetic γ‐F2O3 Nanoparticles Conjugated with Doxorubicin for Glioblastoma Treatment
Authors: Plichta Zdeněk , Horák Daniel , Mareková Dana , Turnovcová Karolína , Kaiser Radek , Jendelová Pavla
Published: October 2019

With the aim to develop a new anticancer agent, we prepared poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide‐co‐methyl 2‐methacrylamidoacetate] [P(HP‐MMAA)], which was reacted with hydrazine to poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide‐co‐N‐(2‐hydrazinyl‐2‐oxoethyl)methacrylamide] [P(HP‐MAH)] to conjugate doxorubicin (Dox) via hydrazone bond. The resulting P(HP‐MAH)‐Dox conjugate was used as a coating of magnetic γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles obtained by the coprecipitation method. In vitro toxicity of various concentrations of Dox, P(HP‐MAH)‐Dox, and γ‐Fe2O3@P(HP‐MAH)‐Dox nanoparticles was determined on somatic healthy cells (human bone marrow stromal cells hMSC), human glioblastoma line (GaMG), and primary human glioblastoma (GBM) cells isolated from GBM patients both at a short and prolonged exposition time (up to 7 days). Due to hydrolysis of the hydrazone bond in acid milieu of tumor cells and Dox release, the γ‐Fe2O3@P(HP‐MAH)‐Dox nanoparticles significantly decreased the GaMG and GBM cell growth compared to free Dox and P(HP‐MAH)‐Dox in low concentration (10 nM), whereas in hMSCs it remained without effect. γ‐F2O3@PHP nanoparticles alone did not affect the viability of any of the tested cells.
Dual Farnesoid X Receptor/Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Modulators Derived from Zafirlukast
Authors: Schierle Simone , Helmstädter Moritz , Schmidt Jurema , Hartmann Markus , Horz Maximiliane , Kaiser Astrid , Weizel Lilia , Heitel Pascal , Proschak Anna , Hernandez‐Olmos Victor , Proschak Ewgenij , Merk Daniel
Published: October 2019

The nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) are validated molecular targets to treat metabolic disorders such as non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Their simultaneous modulation in vivo has demonstrated a triad of anti‐NASH effects and thus may generate synergistic efficacy. Here we report dual FXR activators/sEH inhibitors derived from the anti‐asthma drug Zafirlukast. Systematic structural optimization of the scaffold has produced favorable dual potency on FXR and sEH while depleting the original cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonism of the lead drug. The resulting polypharmacological activity profile holds promise in the treatment of liver‐related metabolic diseases.
A novel ultra‐dense and low‐power structure for fault‐tolerant three‐input majority gate in QCA technology
Authors: Ahmadpour Seyed‐Sajad , Mosleh Mohammad
Published: October 2019

Quantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) is a very interesting nanoscale technology. Ultradense structure and ultralow power consumption are the most important features of QCA compared to CMOS. QCA circuits often suffer from various types of manufacturing defects and are therefore prone to fault. Hence, the design of fault‐tolerant circuits in QCA technology is considered a necessity. In this paper, a novel fault‐tolerant three‐input majority gate is presented using 12 simple and rotated cells in QCA technology. The proposed structure is investigated against all kinds of cell omission, extra‐cell deposition, and cell displacement defects. The simulation results are verified by QCADesigner 2.0.3, and it showed 100%, 89.29%, and 100% tolerance against single‐cell omission, double‐cell omission, and extra‐cell deposition, respectively. In addition, the proposed structure is robust against cell displacement defects. Finally, using the proposed structure, a novel coplanar full adder is presented. The results were compared and indicated that the proposed designs are more reliable than the existing designs. Furthermore, QCAPro power estimator tool was employed to estimate the energy dissipation of the proposed structure.
An energy‐efficient and balanced clustering approach for improving throughput of wireless sensor networks
Authors: Karmaker Amit , Alam Mohammad Shah , Hasan Md. Mahedee , Craig Andrew
Published: October 2019

Maximizing the lifespan of wireless sensor networks is currently drawing a lot of attention in the research community. In order to reduce energy consumption, sensor nodes that are far from the base station avoid sending data directly. As a result, several disjoint clusters are formed, and nodes within a cluster send their data through the cluster head to avoid long transmissions. However, several parameters related to transmission cost need to be considered when selecting a cluster head. While most of the existing research work considers energy and distance as the most stringent parameters to reduce energy consumption, these approaches fail to create a fair and balanced cluster. Consequently, unbalanced clusters are formed, resulting in the degradation of overall performance. In this research work, a cluster head selection algorithm is proposed that covers all parts of the sensing area in a balanced manner, saving a significant amount of energy. Furthermore, a capture effect–based intracluster communication mechanism is proposed that efficiently utilizes the time slot under various traffic conditions. A Näive Bayes classifier is used to adapt the window size dynamically according to the traffic pattern. Finally, a simulation model using OMNeT++ is developed to compare the proposed approach with the pioneer clustering approach, LEACH, and the contemporary LEACH‐MAC protocol in terms of performance. The results of the simulation indicate that the proposed approach improves the overall performance in terms of network lifetime, energy efficiency, and throughput.
A lightweight efficient chaos‐based cryptosystem for constrained‐node networks
Authors: Senouci Mustapha Reda , Sadoudi Said , Djamaa Badis , Senouci Mohamed Abdelkrim
Published: October 2019

Interconnected sensor and actuator objects creating Constrained‐Node Networks (CNN) are among the most prominent technologies of the Internet of things. Deployed to monitor our lives, surroundings, and critical infrastructure, CNN communications must be strongly secured in order to prevent devastating unauthorized access to critical information. This, however, faces severe challenges imposed by CNN constraints in terms of energy, memory, and computational power. To address such conflicting requirements, this paper presents a chaos‐based efficient lightweight secure communication system for CNNs. The proposed cryptosystem performs optimized confusion‐diffusion operations at the byte level allowing it to be fully implemented on an 8‐bit microcontroller. Obtained results from extensive experiments at both statistical and implementation levels confirm the robustness of the proposed cryptosystem against a multitude of attacks. Additionally, the evaluated encryption/decryption speeds along with the low memory and energy consumption grant the proposed cryptosystem attractive lightweight aspects enabling its deployment in very constrained CNN applications having soft real‐time requirements.
Muscle fatigability in patients with type 2 diabetes: relation with long‐term complications
Authors: Orlando Giorgio , Sacchetti Massimo , D'Errico Valeria , Haxhi Jonida , Rapisarda Gianvito , Pugliese Giuseppe , Balducci Stefano
Published: October 2019

Aims

It is unclear whether long‐term complications play a role in muscle fatigue characteristic of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between muscle fatigability and microvascular and macrovascular complications in patients with T2DM.

Methods

One‐hundred forty‐six patients with T2DM (80 males, 66 females, aged 66.9 ± 7.9 years) were recruited. Maximal voluntary contraction (MCV) and endurance time (ET, 50% of the MVC) were assessed at the knee extensor muscles with an isometric dynamometer. Univariate and multivariate correlations of ET values with diabetic complications, a wide range of surrogate measures of these sequelae, and cardiovascular risk factors were examined.

Results

A higher muscle fatigability was detected in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN, ET: −32.4%), cardiovascular disease (CVD, ET: −32.1%), retinopathy (ET: −35.8%), and nephropathy (ET: −30.4%). At univariate analysis, muscle fatigability was associated with age, physical activity level, diabetes duration, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, albuminuria, eGFR, and several parameters of nervous and vascular function. Multivariate analysis showed that, after adjusting for covariates, ET was independently associated with sensory nerve conduction velocity, vibration perception threshold at malleolus, and ankle‐brachial index. In addition, ET values were independently associated with the presence of DPN, CVD, and retinopathy.

Conclusions

In T2DM, muscle fatigability is associated with presence of DPN, CVD, and retinopathy. Such defect appears to be mediated predominantly by sensory nerve and peripheral vascular dysfunction.
In vivo thromboxane‐dependent platelet activation is persistently enhanced in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Santilli Francesca , Zaccardi Francesco , Liani Rossella , Petrucci Giovanna , Simeone Paola , Pitocco Dario , Tripaldi Romina , Rizzi Alessandro , Formoso Gloria , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Angelucci Ermanno , Pagliaccia Francesca , Golato Maria , De Leva Francesca , Vitacolonna Ester , Rocca Bianca , Consoli Agostino , Patrono Carlo
Published: October 2019

Background

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Enhanced thromboxane (TX)‐dependent platelet activation plays a pivotal role in atherothrombosis and characterizes type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Whether this also pertains to IGT is currently unknown.

We investigated whether TXA2‐dependent platelet activation, as reflected by 11‐dehydro‐TXB2 (TXM) urinary excretion, is comparably abnormal in IGT as in DM, is persistent over long‐term follow‐up, changes as a function of metabolic disease progression, and is influenced by food intake.

Methods

We prospectively investigated subjects with IGT (n = 48) and two control groups with DM diagnosed either less than 12 months (n = 60) or 12 months or more (n = 58).

Results

Baseline TXM excretion was comparable between subjects with IGT and DM, with no evidence of a circadian variation. During a 36‐month follow‐up, urinary TXM excretion was stable over time in the DM groups, while tended to increase in subjects with IGT. Increasing urinary TXM excretion over time was observed in the subjects who progressed to diabetes vs nonprogressors.

Conclusions

We conclude that TXA2‐dependent platelet activation was at least as high in IGT as in patients with DM and further increased over time, especially in those who progressed to overt diabetes.
Synthesis and identification of deschloroketamine metabolites in rats' urine and a quantification method for deschloroketamine and metabolites in rats' serum and brain tissue using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Hájková Kateřina , Jurásek Bronislav , Čejka Jan , Štefková Kristýna , Páleníček Tomáš , Sýkora David , Kuchař Martin
Published: October 2019

Deschloroketamine (2‐(methylamino)‐2‐phenyl‐cyclohexanone) is a ketamine analog belonging to a group of dissociative anesthetics, which have been distributed within the illicit market since 2015. However, it was also being sold as ‘ketamine' misleading people to believe that they were getting genuine ketamine. Dissociative anesthetics have also come to the attention of the psychiatric field due to their potential properties in the treatment of depression. At present, there is a dearth of information on deschloroketamine related to its metabolism, biodistribution, and its mechanism of action. We have therefore carried out a metabolomics study for deschloroketamine via non‐targeted screening of urine samples employing liquid chromatography combined with high‐resolution mass spectrometry. We developed and validated a multiple reaction monitoring method using a triple quadrupole instrument to track metabolites of deschloroketamine. Furthermore, significant metabolites of deschloroketamine, (trans‐dihydrodeschloroketamine, cis‐ and trans‐dihydronordeschloroketamine, and nordeschloroketamine), were synthesized in‐house. The prepared standards were utilized in the developed multiple reaction monitoring method. The quantification method for serum samples provided intra‐day accuracy ranging from 86% to 112% with precision of 3% on average. The concentrations of cis/trans‐dihydronordeschloroketamines and trans‐dihydrodeschloroketamine were lower than 10 ng/mL, nordeschloroketamine and deschloroketamine ranged from 0.5 to 860 ng/mL in real samples. The quantification method for brain tissue provided intra‐day accuracy ranging from 80% to 125% with precision of 7% on average. The concentrations of cis/trans‐dihydronordeschloroketamines and trans‐dihydrodeschloroketamine ranged from 0.5 to 70 ng/g, nordeschloroketamine and deschloroketamine varied from 0.5 to 4700 ng/g in real samples.
Disparities in DSM‐5 defined eating disorders by sexual orientation among U.S. adults
Authors: Kamody Rebecca C. , Grilo Carlos M. , Udo Tomoko
Published: October 2019

Objective

The increased occurrence of disordered eating behaviors among sexual minorities is well established; however, few studies have examined disparities in eating disorder diagnoses among this population. This study sought to examine lifetime prevalence estimates of DSM‐5 defined EDs, including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge‐eating disorder (BED) as a function of sexual orientation. We then compared prevalence of EDs based on experiences with perceived discrimination.

Method

A nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (N = 35,995) participating in the 2012–2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions‐III completed structured diagnostic interviews.

Results

Prevalence rates were significantly higher among sexual minorities than heterosexual respondents for all EDs: AN = 1.71% (SE = 0.50) versus 0.77% (SE = 0.07), BN = 1.25% (SE = 0.37) versus 0.24% (SE = 0.03), BED = 2.17% (SE = 0.52) versus 0.81% (SE = 0.05). Odds of lifetime diagnosis were significantly greater among sexual minorities for AN (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.93), BN (AOR = 3.69), and BED (AOR = 2.32), after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Sexual minorities reporting experiences with perceived discrimination had significantly higher prevalence of AN than those not endorsing perceived discrimination: 3.78% (SE = 1.43) versus 0.82% (SE = 0.33); AOR = 5.06. There were no significant differences in prevalence of BN or BED by perceived discrimination.

Discussion

Findings indicate that sexual minorities are disproportionately affected by EDs. Further research is needed to better understand mechanisms contributing to these disparities and heightened risk for EDs.
Rapid loss of an ecosystem engineer: Sphagnum decline in an experimentally warmed bog
Authors: Norby Richard J. , Childs Joanne , Hanson Paul J. , Warren Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2019

Sphagnum mosses are keystone components of peatland ecosystems. They facilitate the accumulation of carbon in peat deposits, but climate change is predicted to expose peatland ecosystem to sustained and unprecedented warming leading to a significant release of carbon to the atmosphere. Sphagnum responses to climate change, and their interaction with other components of the ecosystem, will determine the future trajectory of carbon fluxes in peatlands. We measured the growth and productivity of Sphagnum in an ombrotrophic bog in northern Minnesota, where ten 12.8‐m‐diameter plots were exposed to a range of whole‐ecosystem (air and soil) warming treatments (+0 to +9°C) in ambient or elevated (+500 ppm) CO2. The experiment is unique in its spatial and temporal scale, a focus on response surface analysis encompassing the range of elevated temperature predicted to occur this century, and consideration of an effect of co‐occurring CO2 altering the temperature response surface. In the second year of warming, dry matter increment of Sphagnum increased with modest warming to a maximum at 5°C above ambient and decreased with additional warming. Sphagnum cover declined from close to 100% of the ground area to <50% in the warmest enclosures. After three years of warming, annual Sphagnum productivity declined linearly with increasing temperature (13–29 g C/m2 per °C warming) due to widespread desiccation and loss of Sphagnum. Productivity was less in elevated CO2 enclosures, which we attribute to increased shading by shrubs. Sphagnum desiccation and growth responses were associated with the effects of warming on hydrology. The rapid decline of the Sphagnum community with sustained warming, which appears to be irreversible, can be expected to have many follow‐on consequences to the structure and function of this and similar ecosystems, with significant feedbacks to the global carbon cycle and climate change.
Lung ultrasound‐guided treatment in ambulatory patients with heart failure: a randomized controlled clinical trial (LUS‐HF study)
Authors: Rivas‐Lasarte Mercedes , Álvarez‐García Jesús , Fernández‐Martínez Juan , Maestro Alba , López‐López Laura , Solé‐González Eduard , Pirla Maria J. , Mesado Nuria , Mirabet Sonia , Fluvià Paula , Brossa Vicens , Sionis Alessandro , Roig Eulàlia , Cinca Juan
Published: October 2019

Aims

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a useful tool with which to assess subclinical pulmonary congestion and to stratify the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an LUS‐guided follow‐up protocol improves the outcomes of patients with HF.

Methods and results

In this single‐blind clinical trial, 123 patients admitted for HF were randomized to either a standard follow‐up (n = 62, control group) or a LUS‐guided follow‐up (n = 61, LUS group). The primary endpoint was a composite of urgent visit, hospitalization for worsening HF and death during follow‐up. Visits were scheduled at 14, 30, 90 and 180 days after discharge. Treating physicians were encouraged to modify diuretic therapy in accordance with the number of B‐lines recorded by LUS. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of the patients was 69 ± 12 years and 72% were male. The mean ± SD left ventricular ejection fraction was 39 ± 14%. The hazard ratio for the primary outcome in the LUS group was 0.518 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.268–0.998; P = 0.049], mainly resulting from a decrease in the number of urgent visits for worsening HF. The number of patients needed to treat to avoid an event was 5 (95% CI 3–62). Other secondary endpoints such as N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide reduction were not achieved. The safety parameters were similar in the two groups. Patients in the LUS group received more loop diuretics [51 (91%) vs. 42 (75%); P = 0.02] and showed an improvement in the distance achieved in the 6‐min walking test [60 m (interquartile range: 29–125 m) vs. 37 m (interquartile range: 5–70 m); P = 0.023].

Conclusions

Tailored LUS‐guided diuretic treatment of pulmonary congestion in this proof‐of‐concept study reduced the number of decompensations and improved walking capacity in patients with HF. LUS is a non‐invasive, safe and easy‐to‐use technique with potential clinical applicability to guide pulmonary congestion treatment in patients with HF.